Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Choose New Jersey, the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE), and Association of Biotechnology Lead Enterprises (ABLE)

Bengaluru — The New Jersey-India Commission in conjunction with Choose New Jersey, today facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE), a New Jersey-based not-for-profit focused on supporting life science entrepreneurship, and the Association of Biotechnology Lead Enterprises (ABLE), an Indian biotechnology organization. As part of the Commission’s inaugural economic mission, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way signed the MOU established to create a strong connection between biotechnology companies in New Jersey and India.

“Through this exciting partnership with Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship and Association of Biotechnology Lead Enterprises, we will continue to strengthen the deep economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and India,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “We are eager to bolster opportunities in the biotechnology sector for both regions, and this latest agreement reaffirms our dedication to nurturing economic ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.” 

New Jersey is The World’s State™ — a global hub that draws immigrants and international businesses from around the world. The MOU aims to promote life sciences and technology-based foreign direct investment between New Jersey and India, enhance the global competitiveness of New Jersey and Indian companies, and support collaborative research and development in areas of common interest. ABLE began its partnership with Choose New Jersey in 2021 when it signed an MOU with ILSE and BioNJ, beginning a robust collaboration between New Jersey and India.

“This agreement exemplifies New Jersey’s global leadership in life sciences and technology,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey and Chair of the New Jersey-India Commission. “This latest collaboration will address gaps and opportunities in the current ecosystem and connect stakeholders in industry and academia.”

The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE) is a nonprofit research institute, incubator, and accelerator established in 2014 focused on improving life science innovation globally. ILSE was founded at Kean University to bring world-class research to Kean and to support the university’s research enterprise. With seed investment from Kean, ILSE established research activities, resources, and programs to support faculty and student training.

“ILSE is thrilled to strengthen our ties with ABLE and expand opportunities for collaboration between biotechnology companies in New Jersey and India,” said Thomas Richardson, President of ILSE. “Through this partnership, we aim to foster groundbreaking research and accelerate innovation in life sciences, benefiting the global community.”

The Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) is a not-for-profit organization representing over 400 members, focusing on accelerating the pace of growth of the biotechnology sector in India. ABLE was first introduced to New Jersey leaders during Governor Murphy’s economic mission to India with Choose New Jersey in 2019. The New Jersey India Center (NJIC), founded during that historic trip, helped facilitate ABLE’s relationships with key New Jersey partners and continues to serve as the first point of contact for Indian businesses looking to expand in North America.  

“ABLE is proud to partner with Choose New Jersey and ILSE to drive innovation and collaboration between our vibrant biotechnology sectors,” said Narayanan Suresh, COO of ABLE. “This agreement represents a significant milestone in our mission to advance the biotechnology ecosystem in India while building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with global leaders like New Jersey.”

U.S. Consul General in Chennai Chris Hodges noted, “I am impressed by the specificity and commitment to the partnership and the connection between New Jersey and India’s very best, nurturing entrepreneurship and research to spur growth and solve common problems for not just the U.S. and India but for the world.” 

To view the full MOU, click here.

To read the press release from the Governor’s Office, click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the inaugural New Jersey-India Commission economic mission may contact Toral Patel (toral.patel@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com) or visit choosenj.com/IndiaMission for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.