The Innovation and Research Fellowship Program

The Innovation and Research Fellowship Program (IRFP) grant supports technological research and innovation in New Jersey by funding fellowships for Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates. The program aims to foster collaboration between emerging researchers and New Jersey’s science and technology companies, helping to advance the state’s innovation ecosystem. Eligible applicants include employers primarily engaged in scientific processes, products, or services who own or have rights to proprietary intellectual property. These employers must be registered businesses operating in New Jersey, organized as C Corporations or LLCs, and not home-based or educational institutions. Both large businesses (over 25 employees) and small businesses (2 to 24 employees) may apply. Fellow applicants must be Ph.D. candidates ready to defend their dissertation within 12 months or recent graduates within the past year. They must be in good standing with their university and meet U.S. citizenship or immigration status requirements. Preference is given to those with ties to New Jersey through residency or education. Grant funds are primarily used for the Fellow’s salary, with awards ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000 per fellowship. Salary support can reach up to $85,000 annually, disbursed quarterly during the first year of funding. A small portion of funds may be allocated for equipment or conference attendance if justified. The IRFP grants are awarded based on available funding and at the discretion of the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development in consultation with the Economic Development Authority. The program plans to fund no fewer than 20 fellowships focused on information technology research and scientific innovation across all counties in New Jersey. Applications must be submitted jointly by employer applicants and Fellows by October 1, 2024. This opportunity offers financial support that enables both employers and researchers to contribute actively to technological advancements within the state while fostering career development for new Ph.D.s. For detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions, prospective applicants should visit the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development website.