Biotechnology task force

On June 13, 2018, the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force released a final report of policy recommendations to retain and attract biotechnology companies to New Jersey. 


View the Report

In recognition of the vital role the biotechnology industry serves in support of the State’s economy, the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force has been established, pursuant to P.L. 2016, Joint Resolution No. 5, to develop policy recommendations to retain and attract new biotechnology companies to the State. The Task Force includes elected officials from both the Senate and General Assembly, as well as representatives from BioNJ and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

The central goal of the Task Force is the development of recommended action steps that will inform policy making by the Governor and Legislature in the new Administration and Legislative Session for 2018-2019. To that end, the next meetings of the Task Force will focus on testimony from representatives in both academia and industry to help define the challenges and opportunities in building a first-class innovation economy in New Jersey.

New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force Members:

Debbie Hart (Chair)
President and CEO, BioNJ

Hon. Andrew Zwicker (Vice-Chair)
Assemblyman, District 16

Hon. Robert M. Gordon
former Senator, District 38

Hon. Linda R. Greenstein
Senator, District 14

Hon. Robert W. Singer
Senator, District 30

Hon. Christopher P. DePhillips
Assemblyman, District 40

Hon. Gary S. Schaer
Assemblyman, District 36

Timothy J. Lizura
President & Chief Operating Officer
New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Daniel J. O’Connor
CEO
OncoSec Medical Inc.


Testimony from Academic and Biotechnology Industry Representatives:

On January 25-26, 2018, meetings of the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force were held to hear testimony from representatives of the academic and biotechnology industry to help inform policy recommendations to retain and attract new biotechnology companies to the State and encourage greater collaboration between industry and academia, ensuring that New Jersey remains on the forefront of this growing industry. 

On Thursday, January 25, 2018, Members of the Task Force heard testimony from representatives of New Jersey’s academic community.  Specifically, the Task Force sought testimony centered around the following questions:

  • Please detail what programs or support is offered by your institution that is helping to successfully create spin-offs?
  • Are there any gaps or challenges that could be addressed by the State of New Jersey that would further empower your institution to create more spin-offs?
  • Is there any current collaboration between your institution and industry within the state and, if so, how has that been beneficial?
  • What steps can the State of New Jersey take to facilitate greater collaboration between academia and industry?

 On Friday, January 26, 2018, Members of the Task Force heard testimony from representatives of New Jersey’s biotechnology industry. Specifically, the Task Force sought testimony centered around the following questions:

  • Please discuss any enablers or resources that have helped your biotechnology company grow in New Jersey.
  • Please discuss any obstacles or challenges that have impeded your biotechnology company’s additional growth in New Jersey.
  • Please discuss any strategic partnerships that have been beneficial to your company.
  • Are there any gaps or challenges that could be addressed by the State of New Jersey that could help your biotechnology company, or other biotechnology companies, grow in New Jersey? 

Please click here to view a full transcript of testimony provided at both of these sessions.


Testimony from Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, Former President and CEO, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center:

On April 3, 2018 a meetings of the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force was held to hear testimony from internationally recognized innovation expert, Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, President and CEO at Biomedical Growth Strategies LLC. Ms. Windham-Bannister’s unique perspectives draw on her previous experience as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a state-funded investment organization and the hub for all sectors of the Commonwealth’s life sciences community. 

Please click here to view a full transcript of this meeting.

Please see the below materials that Dr. Windham-Bannister presented to the Task Force:

Accelerating Life Sciences Innovation: a Public-Private Partnership: The Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative

Innovation Capacity: A Framework for Identifying Priorities