Kearny Point Partners with Cleantech Open Northeast to Support Six Cleantech Startups

Kearny Point, the $1 billion redevelopment of the former WWI and WWII ship-making facilities in Hudson County, today announced a partnership with NECEC’s Cleantech Open Northeast, the world’s oldest and largest cleantech accelerator, to provide six cleantech startups with free office space at its state-of-the-art campus.

The partnership represents an expansion of Kearny Point’s efforts to support cleantech and environmental innovation in the state. Since the launch of the ambitious redevelopment efforts at the historic ship-making site, Kearny Point has distinguished itself as a hub for innovative small businesses, including those that are working to solve some of the most pressing environmental challenges.

“By building alliances with those committed to investing in a better, more equitable and sustainable world for future generations, this partnership with NECEC and Cleantech Open brings us a significant step closer to realizing our ultimate goal of addressing the myriad challenges facing our planet,” said Hugo Neu CEO Wendy Neu. “NECEC, Cleantech Open and Kearny Point all see eye-to-eye on the importance of identifying and supporting the crucial efforts of these emerging companies here in New Jersey—and Kearny Point is the perfect place to make it happen.”

Kearny Point will provide four months of shared office space and access to business development programs, along with high-speed internet access, free parking, concierge service and use of other on-site amenities. Startups may also be eligible for additional support through the NJ Ignite program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

Cleantech Open is the world’s oldest and largest cleantech accelerator. It is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and technologists with the resources needed to launch a successful cleantech company.  A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Cleantech Open provides the infrastructure, expertise and strategic relationships that turn clever ideas into successful global cleantech companies. Fueled by a network of more than 1,200 alumni companies and more than 2,000 volunteers, Cleantech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America’s cleantech sector a thriving economic engine.

“This vital collaboration between Cleantech Open Northeast and Kearny Point will amplify the means, talents and possibilities of our collaborators and ultimately facilitate great innovations to improve the environment and build the green economy at the same time,” said Beth Zonis, Northeast Regional Director, Cleantech Open. "We are thrilled to have Kearny Point as a partner, and we look forward to working with them—and New Jersey’s brightest sustainable startups—as they reimagine the modern cleantech business paradigm."

By supporting environmental innovation through investments in startup success and infrastructure, Kearny Point is in sync with significant changes underway at the state level—affirming that old models of economic development, by themselves, are no longer sufficient to bolster growth throughout New Jersey. As detailed in Governor Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan, the state’s future as a cleantech leader will create thousands of jobs in the state’s energy, building and transportation sectors, ultimately positioning New Jersey in the vanguard of America’s green economy.

“New Jersey has long been home to some of the most impactful innovations that fuel our world today,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Innovation addresses complex challenges and drives sustainable economic growth. We believe that participants in this program will go on to achieve great things with the support they receive from our state, Cleantech Open Northeast and Kearny Point.”

Since its launch in 2014, Kearny Point has emerged as a radical partner to environmentally conscious small businesses that understand the challenges facing a constantly shifting, modern economy. Kearny Point is anchored by Building 78, a 160,000-square-foot adaptive reuse of a historic four-story warehouse building. The building, which features loft-style “flex” office spaces, co-working and makerspace, is nearly fully leased to more than 200 businesses. In the coming months, Kearny Point will introduce the Building 78 Annex, which will add an additional 90,000 square feet of space for creative office users.

In total, Kearny Point will reactivate approximately four million square feet of flex office and industrial space, making it one of the largest and most economically significant redevelopments in the region.

Among the many environmentally conscious companies currently housed at Kearny Point:

Bowery Farming, a seed-to-store local farmer that uses zero pesticides and 95 percent less water than conventional farms. The company's products are available at local markets like Whole Foods and appear on the menu restaurants owned by Top Chef alum and New Jersey-native Tom Colicchio, who also is among the company’s advisors.

Ciel Power, the 2019 National Home Performance Energy Star Contractor of the Year. The company provides home energy audits that enable homeowners to prioritize improvements that will have the biggest impact on their homes.

Oishii Farms, an indoor vertical farming tech company revolutionizing the agriculture industry by growing local, sustainable, pesticide free produce year-round at Kearny Point —and around the world. Oishii Farm grows high quality produce while reducing water usage by 95 percent, achieving a 4,700 percent greater yield than conventional agriculture, decreasing food loss during transportation and retailer stages to nearly 0 percent, eliminating 97 percent of CO2 emissions, using zero pesticides, and providing a clean, safe environment for workers.

Babo International Trade, a distributor of sustainable, 100 percent unbleached bamboo consumer paper products from China, including straws, paper towels, tissues and napkins, manufactured from bamboo farms that regenerate every three years. The company’s products are available in Key Food, Foodtown, ShopRite and H Mart stores around the country.

Kearny Point has helped environmental businesses thrive by providing low barriers to entry, active programming and support services, flexible lease terms and a shared commitment to energy security and environmental protection. The collaboration with Cleantech Open Northeast will further provide nascent and growing cleantech companies with opportunities to make connections in the New York/New Jersey Metro area.

About Cleantech Open

Cleantech Open is the world’s oldest and largest cleantech accelerator and is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and technologists the resources needed to launch a successful cleantech company. Our mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Cleantech Open provides the infrastructure, expertise and strategic relationships that turn clever ideas into successful global cleantech companies. Over the past eight years, the Cleantech Open has awarded over $5 million in cash and services. During that time, our 1200 alumni companies have raised more than $1.2 billion in external funding. Fueled by a network of more than 2,000 volunteers, Cleantech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America’s cleantech sector a thriving economic engine. For more information, visit us at cleantechopen.org or follow us on Twitter.