Portal Innovations and New Brunswick Development Corporation Collaborate with Johnson & Johnson to Name the Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub in HELIX, Advancing the State’s Life Sciences Leadership

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Portal Innovations, in partnership with the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) and HELIX, today announced that Johnson & Johnson has secured naming rights to the Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub (NJIH), Powered by Portal Innovations. The collaboration reinforces Johnson & Johnson’s longstanding leadership in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and the life sciences sector in New Jersey, one of the nation’s most concentrated biotech ecosystems.

Opening in Spring 2026, NJIH is a 30,000-square-foot science incubator located within the HELIX in New Brunswick and will provide early-stage, science-driven startups with flexible lab space, curated programming, and access to Portal’s global network of capital and industry partners to help them accelerate breakthrough ideas from bench to patient.

The Johnson & Johnson Exchange will serve as NJIH’s central convening space, expected to host events annually, including community gatherings, founder programming and investor discussions aimed at fostering collaboration across academia, startups, and industry leaders. Johnson & Johnson will also sponsor targeted, high-impact innovation initiatives at NJIH, demonstrating its support for strengthening New Brunswick’s vibrant entrepreneurial and life sciences landscape.

“My administration is committed to transforming New Jersey into the destination for startups and entrepreneurs to set up shop. By expanding resources to support budding enterprises and investing in Strategic Innovation Centers like HELIX, we are driving life-changing breakthroughs in the health and life sciences sector and cementing our state’s reputation as a thriving innovation hub,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I am thrilled that HELIX will host this collaboration between Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations, and DEVCO, which will create jobs and sustain critical economic growth within our region.”

“For 140 years, New Jersey has been home to Johnson & Johnson and a launchpad for healthcare innovation that changes lives around the world,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “The Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub reflects our belief that great ideas can come from anywhere, and that when industry, entrepreneurs, and academia come together, we can accelerate medical breakthroughs to deliver better outcomes for patients, support job creation and drive economic growth across New Jersey.”

This collaboration reflects the importance and value of leading healthcare companies engaging in early-stage innovation ecosystems. Partnerships with incubators like NJIH allow organizations to gain early insights into novel technologies, identify and nurture future acquisition targets, and strengthen ties with entrepreneurs and emerging industry talent. Johnson & Johnson’s collaboration with NJIH also sets an example for driving meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving life sciences sector and reinforces its role in shaping the future of healthcare innovation in New Jersey.

The NJIH is being developed by DEVCO as part of HELIX, the state’s mixed-use innovation district that brings together research, healthcare, education, and industry partners in downtown New Brunswick.

“DEVCO is proud to partner with Portal Innovations and Johnson & Johnson on a project that aligns so closely with New Jersey’s vision for inclusive economic growth and innovation-led development,” said Chris Paladino, President of DEVCO. “The Johnson & Johnson Exchange will be a cornerstone for collaboration and a catalyst for the entrepreneurial activity we aim to attract and support.”

“Johnson & Johnson’s investment in the New Jersey Innovation Hub exemplifies the kind of bold, strategic corporate leadership that fuels our state’s innovation ecosystem and drives lasting impact for New Jersey’s life sciences sector,” said Evan Weiss, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “The NJEDA is proud to have supported HELIX through an Aspire award and a Strategic Innovation Center Investment, and this collaboration among Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations, and DEVCO further cements New Brunswick’s position as a premier destination for healthcare innovation—transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercial success and creating high-quality jobs for New Jerseyans.”

Portal Innovations, a leading life sciences venture development engine, is helping design the NJIH to address the growing need for high-quality, affordable lab infrastructure and hands-on support for early-stage companies. Upon opening, Portal’s Executive Director Sangeetha Ramsagar will manage day-to-day lab and office operations.

“Johnson & Johnson is synonymous with healthcare innovation, and their presence at the New Jersey Innovation Hub sends a powerful signal to founders building in this region,” said John Flavin, Founder and CEO of Portal Innovations. “This partnership reinforces our shared belief that world-class infrastructure, community, and corporate partnership are essential to unlocking the full potential of scientific entrepreneurship in New Jersey.”

The science incubator at NJIH will support startups across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and enabling technologies, becoming a central node within the state’s innovation ecosystem and advancing New Jersey’s position as a global life sciences leader.

Media Contacts:
Nick Pennebaker
Portal Innovations
Phone: (512) 468-1081
Email: nick.pennebaker@portalinnovations.com

Christopher Paladino
DEVCO/HELIX
Phone: (732) 249-2220
Email: cpaladino@devco.org