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The New Jersey Business Acceleration and Soft-Landing Ecosystem (NJ BASE) is now accepting applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort, offering international technology companies a fully supported pathway to establish and scale operations in the United States.

Powered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and operated by SOSA, NJ BASE is a six-month Business Immersion Program designed to help high-growth international startups and scaleups expand into the U.S. market from Jersey City, New Jersey — one of the country’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.

The programme provides international companies with free workspace, tailored mentorship, investor readiness support, ecosystem integration, and direct access to corporate partners, investors, and professional service providers across the Northeast economic corridor.

Application Deadline

  • Applications close: 15 June 2026 at 17:00 ET

Programme Duration

  • Six-month Business Immersion Program
  • Includes one year of free workspace access

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

  • International technology startups
  • Revenue-generating scaleups
  • High-growth innovation companies
  • Technology-focused SMEs
  • Expansion-ready businesses seeking U.S. market entry

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be headquartered outside the United States
  • Be revenue-generating
  • Demonstrate sufficient capital to support U.S. expansion
  • Show strong growth and scaling potential
  • Commit to participating in the in-person immersion programme
  • Be interested in establishing operations in New Jersey after programme participation

Priority Sectors

The programme is prioritising companies operating in:

  • Climate and clean technologies
  • Life sciences and health innovation
  • Advanced manufacturing and materials
  • Financial technology (FinTech)
  • Smart mobility and transportation
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Data technologies
  • Digital industries
  • Film and media innovation

What Selected Companies Receive

1. Fully Funded Jersey City Workspace

Participants receive:

  • Access to a 7,500 sq. ft. Class A innovation facility
  • Coworking desks
  • Private meeting and conference rooms
  • Event and collaboration spaces
  • Strategic location near Manhattan and major transport systems

2. Business Immersion Programme

The six-month programme includes:

  • Go-to-market support
  • U.S. expansion strategy guidance
  • Operational readiness mentorship
  • Sales and customer acquisition support
  • Investor readiness preparation
  • Strategic ecosystem integration

3. Expert-Led Mentorship

Participants gain access to:

  • Dedicated lead mentors
  • Office hours with industry experts
  • U.S. legal and tax guidance
  • HR and operational support
  • Negotiation and sales workshops
  • AI-driven lead generation support

4. Investor and Corporate Access

The programme offers:

  • Corporate matchmaking opportunities
  • Investor introductions
  • Demo days and innovation showcases
  • Corporate innovation panels
  • Networking with enterprise buyers
  • Exposure to New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem

5. Additional Partner Benefits

Selected companies may access:

  • More than USD115,000 in partner benefits
  • Discounts and credits across 25+ business tools and services
  • Professional services support
  • Expansion ecosystem resources

Why New Jersey?

NJ BASE positions participants within one of the most strategically connected innovation ecosystems in the United States.

New Jersey offers:

  • Proximity to New York City and Wall Street
  • Strong technology and life sciences ecosystem
  • High concentration of scientists and engineers
  • Access to global investors and Fortune 500 companies
  • Strong venture capital environment
  • Advanced manufacturing and innovation infrastructure

Important Notes

  • Participation is highly competitive
  • The programme is in-person and based in Jersey City, New Jersey
  • Companies are encouraged to establish long-term operations in New Jersey after programme completion
  • Applicants should demonstrate readiness for U.S. market expansion

Application Process

Eligible companies can submit applications directly through the NJ BASE platform.

Click HERE to visit the official website

Closing date
Industry
​Manufacturing
​Transportation and storage
Professional, scientific and technical activities
​Education
​Arts, entertainment and recreation
​Other service activities