NJ FAST powered by Plug and Play Graduates 14 Startups in its Inaugural Program

HOBOKEN, N.J., Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug and Play, the world's leading global innovation platform, has concluded its inaugural cohort, graduating 14 startups for its newest program, the New Jersey Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology powered by Plug and Play (NJ FAST).

Plug and Play Logo (PRNewsfoto/Plug and Play)
Plug and Play Logo (PRNewsfoto/Plug and Play)

Earlier this year, Plug and Play and its founding partners, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Prudential Financial, and the Stevens Institute of Technology, announced the establishment of NJ FAST.

"Over the past seven years, we have transformed New Jersey's innovation economy, firmly positioning our state as a national leader in this space and cementing our reputation as the best place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Through NJ FAST and our partnerships with Plug and Play, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Prudential, we are empowering emerging leaders in the fintech industry to advance their cutting-edge ideas right here in New Jersey. I look forward to seeing what the inaugural cohort of this program accomplishes in the coming years," said Governor Phil Murphy.

Building on this foundation, NJ FAST will leverage New Jersey's longstanding legacy as a leader in the financial industry. With a dedicated focus on fintech, NJ FAST aims to support the growth of innovative companies and create new career opportunities, further expanding New Jersey's influence in the national finance and fintech sectors.

"NJ FAST will have a long-term impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of New Jersey, creating a legacy of success and innovation within the financial services industry for years to come," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "This initiative is about embedding a culture of innovation in New Jersey, and beyond, with startups we believe can change the world."

NJ FAST is designed to offer entrepreneurs a platform to drive innovation across the state of New Jersey. Selected startups will benefit from mentorship, funding resources, and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts. As part of the program, startups will have access to Plug and Play's extensive network of corporate, government, investor, and university partners, providing them with invaluable insights, support, and potential strategic partnerships.

"Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized growing New Jersey's innovation economy by ensuring that companies of the future have access to first-rate resources and support," said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. "Through NJEDA's Strategic Innovation Centers initiative, centers like NJFAST are working to empower startups to develop cutting-edge technologies that create jobs, support long-term sustainable economic growth, and attract world-class talent. The graduation of NJFAST's inaugural cohort serves as a testament to the initiative's success fostering innovation, and solidifying New Jersey's role as a leader in fintech and insurtech."


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