"We are building a ladder that high tech business entrepreneurs can ascend as they turn their ideas, inventions and new technologies into new business," said Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald T. DiFrancesco at the opening of the Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies. The Centre is located in the third phase of the Technology Center of New Jersey, in a 50-acre (20-ha.) research park in North Brunswick. It will offer development and research space for firms launching new technologies. Phase III of the park will be an 80,000-sq.-ft. (7,432-sq.-m.) building that will feature the Commercialization Centre. The New Jersey legislature appropriated $4 million to support the project.
      "We expect the Centre to be especially attractive to new companies developing bio-science and life science technologies," notes Caren S. Franzini, executive director of New Jersey's EDA (Economic Development Auth-ority). The EDA will offer special financial benefits for tenant improvement allowances and several EDA programs will provide financing assistance to high-tech firms.
      Pharmaceutical manufacturer Hovione announced in February 2001 it would locate its Technology Transfer Center in East Windsor Township. The site will serve as U.S. headquarters as well as house research and development laboratories. The company expects to employ 26 with expansion plans of up to 45 workers. Hovione's U.S. operations president, David Hoffman, says the location of Hovione's new site is due to East Windsor Township's proximity to nine of the world's largest pharmaceutical manufacturers nearby.
      Private business is also trying to lure research and science technology into the Garden State. Twelve non-profit organizations, including academic, communications, science and research industries, have formed a group to increase awareness of the technology assets available in New Jersey. "The Innovation Garden State -- where brilliant ideas grow" is the branding for the new alliance known as Prosperity New Jersey. "The bio field is strongly attracted to New Jersey," notes Gerard Fennelly, president of NAI Fennelly, a commercial brokerage firm located in Hamilton. "The state provides a large population of highly educated, mobile and motivated people."
      The Innovation Garden State plan has had some success. Bristol Meyers Squibb will build two new process research and development buildings in New Brunswick. The $250 million expansion will employ 120 additional workers. Bristol Meyers officials said the expansion in the area was based in part on the success the company has had with its 8,000 current New Jersey employees.
      Business and industry hope to increase New Jersey's attraction with increased funding for research and development initiatives. Fennelly believes New Jersey officials should consider funding incubator spaces on a local level. "This creates instant laboratory space for startup or new companies migrating into the area, and the economy is enhanced through relief in the laboratory or biotech field."
      New Jersey's Business Incentive Grant Program has invested in south Jersey high-tech firms. Burlington County has been the site of a new Merck-Medco pharmacy fulfillment center employing 815 workers. State officials also helped Ball Plastic Container and Roosevelt Paper Co. establish facilities in the area. Acting Gov. DiFransesco recently announced additional plans to help market the region to employers.