2025 was an incredibly busy year for New Jersey’s life sciences sector. Could you start by walking us through the main highlights?
2025 was truly remarkable for New Jersey’s life sciences sector. We celebrated nearly 20 ribbon cuttings, expansions and groundbreakings—each one a testament to the State’s vitality and growth. Even as the broader market faced headwinds, these milestones reflect unwavering optimism and momentum. Companies such as Genmab, Ferring and Ascendis all expanded their New Jersey footprints, signaling strong confidence in the State’s innovation ecosystem.
This remarkable momentum is attracting global companies and major investments to New Jersey. For example, Enzene Biosciences, an Indian company, chose Hopewell for its U.S. headquarters after evaluating multiple states, giving glowing reviews of New Jersey’s advantages. The HELIX, long in development, is set to open in 2026 with major commitments from academic institutions, hospital systems and Nokia Bell Labs, which recently broke ground on its worldwide headquarters. The Coriell Institute for Medical Research has begun construction on a new life sciences campus scheduled for 2028 and Made Scientific launched a 60,000-square-foot GMP cell therapy manufacturing facility in Plainsboro.
It was a standout year for the Garden State. New Jersey continues to shine as a global hub for life sciences, combining world-class talent, cutting-edge research and an environment where companies can grow and thrive.
Would you say New Jersey is now firmly recognised as a leading biotech hub—particularly for startups—on a footing comparable to California?
Absolutely. Our ranking has accelerated, and the number of companies here continues to grow. Rutgers University alone has launched 10 new life sciences spinouts in 2025.
Early-stage activity in New Jersey is accelerating rapidly. Just a year and a half ago, BioNJ introduced an entrepreneurship membership category specifically for very small, emerging companies—and the number of members in this group has nearly doubled since its inception. We have created opportunities for these innovators to connect with strategic partners, find funding, engage investors and access critical resources—all designed to help turn their groundbreaking ideas into reality.
With academic spinouts, company-driven ventures and new arrivals from other states and countries, New Jersey’s startup ecosystem is thriving. This wave of early-stage activity highlights the State’s rising reputation as a hub for life sciences innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
What is BioNJ doing to attract global companies to the state?
We work closely with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Choose New Jersey to support international outreach and partnerships. For instance, in 2024 I travelled to Quebec with the governor and a delegation of industry and ecosystem representatives to showcase life sciences opportunities in the State. That trip resulted in an MOU with BIOQuébec and the start of ongoing exchanges, including a fairly large Canadian delegation attending BioNJ’s BioPartnering Conference.
We also meet regularly with diplomats, trade representatives and foreign government agencies. Recently we participated in the Korean Life Sciences Delegation hosted by Rutgers, and we’re exploring early-stage collaboration opportunities with Saudi Arabia.
We’re literally spanning the globe in terms of outreach and partnership-building.
How do these international efforts play out amid the current administration’s America First posture?
New Jersey has always been an attractive home for this industry, and the current administration at the State level is especially welcoming to international companies looking to set up operations here and is finding a receptive ear from countries around the world.
New Jersey is an open-minded, open-hearted state, very friendly to international engagement. Anyone with an interest in being in New Jersey will find us ready to have the conversation.
Are there indications of growing optimism about the new administration’s approach to life sciences after the initial doubts?
Yes. In fact, at BioNJ’s recent C-Suite Summit, the energy in the room was extraordinary. One speaker, Dr. Tim Opler of Stifel Institutional, put it succinctly: “the sun is shining.”
Deal activity is picking up and there’s a sense that things are opening up again. Capital markets are responding to policy signals, but overall, people are much more optimistic than they have been in years. It’s early, and the outlook will continue to evolve, but the mood is undeniably brighter.
What were the main insights from BioNJ’s 2025 AI and Digital Health Day? How do you see New Jersey positioning itself in AI adoption?
There’s significant activity in AI and digital health throughout the State. New Jersey’s state leadership, the EDA and Princeton University have embraced AI from the earliest stages, and the AI Hub in Princeton has become a major focal point. It’s attracting significant attention and is already a conduit for meaningful activity—as seen in the popularity of our AI Digital Health Conference which was sold out.
Recently, Microsoft announced it will establish its platform at the AI Hub—one of only two in the country. There’s real excitement about how this will support clinical trials and other applications through AI. It’s a fast-moving area with strong State support, and BioNJ is deeply engaged as it evolves.
What are your top objectives for BioNJ over the next 12 months?
Having served on our new Governor Mikie Sherril’s Transition Team in support of her economic development goals, we are hopeful that she will be successful in delivering a meaningful economic development plan for the citizens of New Jersey and that the industry will be in a strong position to help the Governor achieve those goals. We are optimistic and hope to see the same level of support and enthusiasm for the life sciences industry that we have seen with the current administration. At the federal level, we are carefully monitoring policy proposals, with the hope of advancing measures that lower costs for patients while simultaneously nurturing innovation. While some proposals have raised concerns, there is real opportunity ahead, and we remain cautiously optimistic.
Because Patients Can’t Wait, BioNJ will remain steadfast in its mission: advocating for innovation companies—ensuring they have the resources, support and regulatory clarity needed to bring new therapies to market, while guaranteeing that patients have access to the medicines they need when they need them.
