the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Egg Harbor Township, NJ — September 2025 — Rowan University, the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch a groundbreaking academic and industry consortium aimed at advancing aerospace technology, safety, and workforce development.
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony attended by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, marking the first step in creating a statewide and national coalition dedicated to aerospace research and innovation.
Building a Hub for Aerospace Innovation in New Jersey
“South Jersey has the potential to become a national hub for innovation in all aspects of aerospace research and engineering,” said Rowan University President Ali Houshmand. “With our combined resources and entrepreneurial vision, we can replicate the same kind of success we’ve had in healthcare and apply it to aerospace.”
Under the agreement, Rowan, NARTP, and ACEA will act as founding members of the consortium, working to attract universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and private companies. The effort will establish a collaborative research environment and create pathways for cutting-edge aviation technologies, including:
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Artificial Intelligence in aviation
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Advanced air mobility and unmanned systems
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Aviation cybersecurity
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Next-generation workforce training
Strategic Location with Federal Partnerships
Located next to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace and the Atlantic City International Airport smart airport testbed, NARTP provides unmatched access to federal research facilities and innovation ecosystems. These assets will be central to the consortium’s mission.
“This is a really big deal because it brings academic minds together with the private sector and federal research,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This is about making sure New Jersey leads in engineering, technology, and innovation once again.”
Growing Momentum and Industry Support
The consortium already has interest from four additional universities, reflecting strong momentum and demand for such a partnership. Applied Research Associates has also signed on as an industry partner.
“We are encouraged by this early engagement,” said NARTP Chairman Mark Loeben. “This demonstrates genuine appetite to build something enduring — a partnership that positions our region as a national leader in aerospace innovation.”
A Strategic Innovation Center for the Future
The consortium will also support the creation of a Strategic Innovation Center at NARTP, serving as the hub for research, testing, commercialization, and workforce training. Rowan has already proven its leadership in innovation through partnerships like the NJ Economic Development Authority’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton and a multi-location medical technology hub.
By aligning academia, government, and industry, this new aerospace consortium will establish New Jersey as a center of excellence in aviation research and workforce development, opening doors for students, businesses, and the regional economy.
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