NARTP is New Jersey’s Launchpad for Early-Stage Aerospace Companies

The National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) is a purpose-built aerospace research campus for tenants in the aviation, air cargo, and advanced air mobility sectors.

Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, it offers early-stage companies direct access to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), world-class facilities, and a growing academic consortium, making it one of the most strategically positioned aerospace innovation hubs on the East Coast.

For startup aerospace companies, access is everything. Proximity to federally sanctioned research infrastructure, access to testing corridors, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem can mean the difference between slow development and rapid commercialization.

What Is NARTP’s Mission?

NARTP’s core mission is to advance aerospace research by uniting business, academia, and government around shared goals. The park fosters partnerships that prioritize safety and sustainability, work that directly aligns with national interests in aviation safety and next-generation air mobility.

Collaboration is the engine behind aerospace breakthroughs. NARTP is designed to be that collaborative hub: a place where startups and legacy players can align and move the industry forward together.

What Makes NARTP Unique for Aerospace Research?

World-Class Facilities Built for Aerospace R&D

NARTP’s first building offers 56,000 square feet of adaptable aerospace research space, with an FAA laboratory located on-site. At full build-out, the campus will include seven multi-story buildings totaling 400,000 square feet of dedicated research and development facilities, a scale that few comparable parks can match. Amenities include an advanced media room, classrooms, and conference centers, all included in the leasing package.

Strategic Location with Federal and Airport Access

NARTP’s location adjacent to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace gives tenants direct access to one of the world’s leading aviation research institutions. Equally valuable is NARTP’s collaborative access to Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), a federally recognized Smart Airport Testbed. For companies developing autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, or air traffic management tools, this kind of real-world testbed environment is invaluable.

What Does the $8.6M NJEDA Investment in the Aerospace Innovation Center Create?

In January 2025, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved an $8.6 million investment to fund the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a 40,000-square-foot facility currently being built within NARTP.

The AIC will be the second of seven planned buildings within the aerospace innovation hub and will provide state-of-the-art aerospace research spaces, high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, and co-working and studio spaces ideal for collaboration and innovation. 

The NJEDA and the Atlantic City Improvement Authority (ACIA) signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a two-member limited liability company to plan, develop, construct, and manage the innovation hub. ACIA, in partnership with the NARTP and Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), will also contribute $10.5 million in funding to construct the innovation center

University partners signed on to the AIC include Rowan University, Rutgers University School of Engineering, Stockton University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the National Institute of Aerospace, giving tenant companies direct access to a pipeline of trained aerospace talent.

What is NARTP’s New Academic Consortium?

In August 2025, Rowan University, NARTP, and ACEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build a statewide and national academic consortium for aerospace innovation. Applied Research Associates joined as an industry partner.

The consortium’s goal is to create a broad coalition of research universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector companies that share expertise and resources to accelerate aerospace R&D. 

Other higher education institutions NARTP has worked with beyond Rowan University include Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Stockton University, Atlantic County Community College, Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation Research, and Drexel University.

What Research Areas Does NARTP Focus On?

NARTP’s research agenda reflects the most pressing priorities in modern aerospace. Current focus areas include:

• Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
• Cybersecurity for aviation and air traffic management systems
• Alternate propulsion and fuels, including electric and hybrid technologies
• Autonomy and human-in/on-the-loop systems
• Advanced air cargo operations and logistics
• New operational safety tools and analysis

NARTP has also reached a major milestone in its UAS/AAM work. It has established an East Coast dual-use testing corridor under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Air Mobility Command (AMC). The corridor runs between Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, creating a dedicated airspace for testing both military and civilian UAS and AAM technologies. 

What is ACEA’s Role in Supporting Aerospace Startups?

The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) is the county’s nonprofit economic development organization, dedicated to attracting new businesses, supporting the growth and retention of existing companies, and advancing workforce development across Atlantic County. Working closely with local governments, educational institutions, and industry partners, ACEA promotes key sectors including aerospace, aviation, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and tourism to strengthen the regional economy. The organization is a key partner of the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, collaborating to market the region’s aerospace assets, recruit innovative companies, support commercialization of emerging technologies, and develop a skilled workforce. Together, ACEA and NARTP help position Atlantic County as a nationally recognized hub for aviation research, aerospace innovation, and technology-driven economic growth. 

Ready to Learn More About NARTP?

NARTP is growing rapidly, and early-stage aerospace companies can apply now to join this ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup developing UAS technology, researching alternate propulsion, or building tools for next-generation air traffic management, NARTP offers the infrastructure, federal access, and academic partnerships to accelerate your progress.

Visit nartp.com to learn more about leasing opportunities, research programs, and how to get involved with the NARTP community.