Today, startups are challenging what is possible and changing the world. Passionate individuals are leveraging new and emerging technology in exciting ways to devise novel, innovative solutions that turn visionary ideas into reality, creating lasting benefits for society and individuals alike. Through their startups, they provide the perfect vehicle for dreaming big, being ambitious and transforming lives.

NJ FAST gives you the opportunity to be part of this dream. As startups imagine what humanity can be, NJ FAST is providing you the opportunity to imagine what their future can be. Joining NJ FAST means joining a group of daring thinkers and founders alike who see the possibilities created where technology and dreams intersect. Are you ready to join them?

About NJ FAST

NJ FAST is the fourth Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) in New Jersey. This initiative is a partnership between Stevens Institute of Technology, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Prudential Financial and Plug and Play. NJ FAST aims to deliver significant economic impact by supporting startups with innovative, world-class ideas and position New Jersey as a leader in the research, development, innovation, and entrepreneurship of the financial and insurance technology sectors. The program promises to deliver on the vision of "Cambridge, Palo Alto, Hoboken" by providing an enriching experiential learning opportunity for select School of Business students.

Program Structure

NJ FAST will select two cohorts of 10-15 startups each year, coinciding with the fall and spring semesters. Select graduate students will have the opportunity to work with these startups, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, to help solve real-world problems and advance the startups' work. The first cohort of startups will be on campus this September. If you are interested to participate, the time to express your interest is now!

Join a webinar on August 1, 2024 at 12 p.m. EST to learn more about NJ FAST and its benefits by registering here.

Benefits for Students

One of the major benefits of this partnership for Stevens students is the opportunity to collaborate with startups for experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom. If selected, you will gain:

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Maybe you’re built to be an entrepreneur. But even if not, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that trains you to be nimbler and more adaptable, diversifying your experience and making you more resilient in your career.

• Real-World Application: Apply your knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting, seeing how business concepts are implemented and adjusted in real-time.

• Networking: Build strong relationships and expand your professional network, potentially leading to future career opportunities, mentorship and partnerships.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play operates the largest innovation platform in the world, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government entities. They have helped launch unicorns like PayPal, Lending Club, Dropbox, Honey, and Truebill. Their global partnerships include some of the world’s most well-known brands, such as Visa, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Red Bull, and Chanel.