It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Maclean House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Princeton, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“I have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has been nothing but amazing. Although there are some hiccups here and there with cancellation of confirmed shift but regardless, it’s been a pleasure and good experience working for the company.”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing. Always best care have been a blessings also to my friends have introduce to the company”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe with the everyday and new behaviors How to help assist respect and enjoy every day life with clients How to help and assist with maintaining their respect. Dignity individuality their purpose of life”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Community Park North with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Elements or visit Princeton Battlefield State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Princeton, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Princeton, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Princeton, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The project will transform plasma physics research into startups, jobs, and novel technologies, officials said. Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 12:27 pm ETPRINCETON, NJ - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it is opening a new plasma technology center in the Princeton-Plainsboro area.In partnership with venture capital firm SOSV and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), New Jersey will create the NJ HAX Plasma Forge, a new Strategic Innovation Center.The center w...
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 12:27 pm ET
PRINCETON, NJ - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it is opening a new plasma technology center in the Princeton-Plainsboro area.
In partnership with venture capital firm SOSV and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), New Jersey will create the NJ HAX Plasma Forge, a new Strategic Innovation Center.
The center will help promote industry collaboration and commercialize groundbreaking technologies in an emerging economic sector.
“Through targeted investments and expanded resources for our state’s entrepreneurs, New Jersey is poised to lead in innovative industries like plasma and artificial intelligence,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, along with other Strategic Innovation Centers across New Jersey, will support startup creation, generate high-paying jobs, and strengthen the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”
The facility will feature up to 10,000 square feet of lab and co-working space near PPPL in the Princeton area, equipped for low-temperature plasma research and fusion supply chain development.
PPPL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University, conducts essential research across a full range of plasma applications to solve science and technology challenges.
SOSV will provide up to $24.5 million in seed funding to participating startups, while the NJEDA plans to invest an additional $24.5 million in operations and company investments, pending board approval.
“Plasma is a powerful tool in the deep tech arsenal, a technology that unlocks nuclear fusion, powers advanced spacecraft, and manufactures futuristic AI chips,” SOSV General Partner and HAX Managing Director Duncan Turner said. “PPPL is a world-renowned leader in this field, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to unlock new possibilities. At SOSV, we’ve already backed a handful of startups harnessing plasma technology, and this new lab, made possible by the NJEDA, will allow us to expand and deepen that effort.”
Plasma technology has applications in fusion energy, advanced spacecraft propulsion, and AI chip manufacturing. The initiative aims to establish New Jersey as a leader in this emerging sector while supporting the state's clean energy goals.
SOSV previously partnered with NJEDA to establish HAX's flagship U.S. headquarters in Newark, which provides up to $550,000 initial investment per company and 180 days of collaboration support. PPPL, managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy, conducts research across plasma applications from fusion energy to nanoscale manufacturing.
This marks the 11th Strategic Innovation Center announced by NJEDA, joining facilities focused on AI, fintech, aerospace, life sciences, and biotech across New Jersey.
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Latent AI, a fast-growing artificial intelligence company, is celebrating the opening of its expanded corporate headquarters in Princeton. The event highlights the state’s emerging leadership in artificial intelligence and defense technology and is a significant economic development story for Central Jersey.New Jersey has a robust AI industry, with companies specializing in machine learning, data science, analytics, and automation. These firms help businesses op...
Latent AI, a fast-growing artificial intelligence company, is celebrating the opening of its expanded corporate headquarters in Princeton. The event highlights the state’s emerging leadership in artificial intelligence and defense technology and is a significant economic development story for Central Jersey.
New Jersey has a robust AI industry, with companies specializing in machine learning, data science, analytics, and automation. These firms help businesses optimize performance, improve decision-making, and generate valuable insights. The AI sector in New Jersey is growing rapidly, with applications in healthcare, finance, IT, among other areas.
Among the notable attendees scheduled to appear are: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Assemblyman Roy Freiman; Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, South Brunswick Township Mayor Charles Carley; Tim Sullivan, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority; and Jags Kandasamy, CEO and co-founder of Latent AI.
The event will feature remarks from dignitaries, a facility tour, and technology demonstration.
Latent AI is doubling its footprint in the S&P Global Building at 1 Independence Way on Route 1 corridor and the expansion is adding 23 employees.
The new facility includes a specialized data center for cutting-edge AI testing. The facility received a Department of Defense Level 5 certification and 97% efficiency improvements for the U.S. Navy.
New Jersey has become a hothouse for AI company formation, and the state is providing assistance. Under Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey has been collaborating with private industry to boost artificial intelligence companies in the Garden State.
In March, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board approved the creation of two programs to assist AI development. Next New Jersey is a $500 million program aimed at AI infrastructure that provides tax credits to eligible businesses investing in large-scale AI data centers and companies engaging in AI-related activities. The AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant is $3.8 million in grant funding for a statewide AI Challenge promoting participation from diverse stakeholders. This grant aims to identify challenges throughout the state and leverage AI to develop innovative software solutions that advance social and public good. Winners will work with the administrator on pilot testing and commercialization of the AI-based software solution – as well as receive mentorship and advisory support.
The basics:The state announced its 11th Strategic Innovation Center June 17.The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will partner with SOSV and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to launch HAX Plasma Forge. The new SIC in the Princeton area will focus on commercializing plasma research.The collaboration aims to leve...
The state announced its 11th Strategic Innovation Center June 17.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will partner with SOSV and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to launch HAX Plasma Forge. The new SIC in the Princeton area will focus on commercializing plasma research.
The collaboration aims to leverage PPPL’s world-class research and SOSV’s robust investment experience to
As NJBIZ has reported, PPPL (a Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University) is the nation’s premier physics lab and a global leader in this space. Plasma is already powering major innovations, from the pursuit of nuclear fusion to cutting-edge chip manufacturing.
This partnership also marks the latest SIC between NJEDA and SOSV. The parties also joined together to establish the HAX U.S. headquarters. That Newark SIC provides support for emerging hard tech companies.
“Through targeted investments and expanded resources for our state’s entrepreneurs, New Jersey is poised to lead in innovative industries like plasma and artificial intelligence,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, along with other Strategic Innovation Centers across New Jersey, will support startup creation, generate high-paying jobs, and strengthen the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”
Pending board approval, the NJEDA plans to invest $24.5 million to support the operations of the new SIC as well as investment into participating companies.
“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is partnering with inventive entrepreneurs, world-class academic institutions, and private sector experts to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this exciting industry forward and further the state’s ambitious clean energy and energy resiliency goals.”
Princeton-based SOSV will operate the SIC in collaboration with PPPL. It will provide up to $24.5 million in seed funding to startup companies. Additionally it will also engage with established industry leaders to work alongside entrepreneurs and researchers.
Together with NJEDA, that makes $49 million combined investment into the new SIC.
“Plasma is a powerful tool in the deep tech arsenal — a technology that unlocks nuclear fusion, powers advanced spacecraft, and manufactures futuristic AI chips,” said SOSV General Partner and HAX Managing Director Duncan Turner. “PPPL is a world-renowned leader in this field, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to unlock new possibilities. This new lab, made possible by the NJEDA, will allow us to expand and deepen our work supporting startups building in plasma.”
Key things to know:
PPPL Laboratory Director Steve Cowley said the center will help bridge the gap between breakthrough science and real-world impact.
“PPPL brings world-class talent and capabilities and is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the state and the nation,” said Cowley. “Partnering with SOSV and NJEDA will expand our scientific footprint, enabling our expertise to drive economic development and advance new technologies.
“This is an exciting new chapter.”
More than 50 industry experts from both the public and private sectors gathered at the fusion supply chain summit at Rutgers University.Photo by Michael LivingstonNew Jersey is forging ahead with plans to create a new Strategic Innovation Center for plasma research, thanks to a new partnership between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), venture capital firm SOSV and the ...
More than 50 industry experts from both the public and private sectors gathered at the fusion supply chain summit at Rutgers University.
Photo by Michael Livingston
New Jersey is forging ahead with plans to create a new Strategic Innovation Center for plasma research, thanks to a new partnership between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), venture capital firm SOSV and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will combine PPPL’s cutting-edge research with SOSV’s strong track record in investment to help launch and grow startups focused on plasma technology, promoting industry collaboration and bringing new technologies to market.
“PPPL brings world-class talent and capabilities and is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the state and the nation,” said Steve Cowley, Laboratory director. “Partnering with SOSV and NJEDA will expand our scientific footprint, enabling our expertise to drive economic development and advance new technologies. This is an exciting new chapter for the Laboratory.”
The announcement was made at a two-day summit on planning supply chains for future fusion power plants. Held at Rutgers University on June 17 and 18, the summit was jointly planned by the Fusion Industry Association (FIA), the Stellar Energy Foundation and PPPL. Speakers included representatives from all three organizations, private fusion companies such as Thea Energy and Commonwealth Fusion Systems and public groups like NJEDA and the New Jersey state government.
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will be located close to PPPL and feature approximately 10,000 square feet of lab and co-working space. It will act as a Strategic Innovation Center for low-temperature plasma research, which is essential to advancing semiconductor manufacturing processes and fusion supply chain development.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is partnering with inventive entrepreneurs, world-class academic institutions and private sector experts to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this exciting industry forward and further the state’s ambitious clean energy and energy resiliency goals.”
Determining supply chain processes for fusion energy must be considered now, experts said at the two-day summit. “Thinking about the fusion supply chain is a really important part of making sure that fusion will be cost-effective at a commercial scale,” said Andrew Holland, founding CEO of FIA, a nonprofit organization of private companies helping advance commercial fusion energy.
Holland also mentioned that a 2025 FIA report notes that the fusion supply chain would benefit from having fusion companies concentrated in one place to replicate the success of Silicon Valley for computers and Detroit for cars.
Photo by Michael Livingston
In recent years, interest in fusion energy has intensified. Private investors have invested billions of dollars into private fusion ventures, and scientists have developed new technologies — including high-temperature superconducting magnets, artificial intelligence and innovative materials — that have aided the design of new fusion machines and improved the operation of current facilities. “The so-called common knowledge about fusion being too difficult to achieve is outdated,” Holland said. “Things have changed.”
Participants shared many reasons why the Northeast would be suitable for a fusion energy hub. First, there are well-established fusion research programs at Princeton University and Columbia University, as well as PPPL, one of DOE’s 17 national laboratories. These programs help scientists develop a deep theoretical understanding of plasma, the energetic state of matter that fuels fusion reactions. That knowledge helps engineers to create technology that makes fusion reactions more efficient.
In addition, the region has a large population of highly educated workers, a well-developed transit system, large ports, available financial capital and a burgeoning private fusion ecosystem that includes companies like Thea Energy in New Jersey and Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Massachusetts. “I think there’s a real opportunity here for an economic engine that can really get things moving,” Holland said.
PPPL is ready to help build that engine. “We are committed to using our scientific and engineering expertise to help fusion move from a research to a commercial endeavor,” said David Zimmerman, PPPL’s strategic partnership officer and a key organizer of the summit alongside Chantal Badre, PPPL’s chief of staff. “Developing the fusion supply chain is an important part of this mission. Specifically, PPPL’s assistance will help to support job creation and U.S. energy independence.”
New Jersey is poised to be an ideal location for a fusion industry hub. It has a rich history of manufacturing, an exceptionally high density of scientists and engineers, and a central location that could be attractive to workers in the tristate area. It features Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Station, a decommissioned fission nuclear power plant that already has the infrastructure necessary for developing a fusion facility, including electrical grid connections capable of handling high-power loads.
New Jersey is also building a supportive legislative environment by developing tax credits and permitting processes to attract fusion companies, as well as writing legislation that would classify fusion as a clean energy source like solar and wind.
Chantal Badre, PPPL’s chief of staff, was one of the lead organizers of the event.
Photo by Michael Livingston
The private fusion industry has seen rapid growth within the past few years. Attendees emphasized it’s not too early to consider how to source the materials needed for fusion power plants. Private companies have already begun planning for the powerful magnets, specialized metal alloys and relatively rare elements like tritium that fusion power plants will need. “It’s important to start now to determine how to get all of those components so there won’t be bottlenecks in the future,” said Jesse Treu, CEO of the Stellar Energy Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping advance the quest for fusion energy.
Part of the supply chain planning process involves public-private partnerships. While private investment is important, the participants noted that the government can accelerate progress by contributing more significant funding, perhaps through established programs like the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy, a DOE initiative.
As the fusion industry moves from the lab to the marketplace, summit attendees argued that the national laboratory system still has an important role. They believe national laboratories ought to build more test stands — shared research facilities that allow private companies to test the viability of their prototypes, just as government-operated wind tunnels help aerospace companies test their latest designs.
“There’s a clear national priority right now to expand our energy sector, and as a U.S. national lab, PPPL is here to help with such priorities,” said Cowley. “It’s crucial for the success of the U.S. manufacturing base and the economy as a whole to reduce the cost of energy.”
The fusion industry could aid the development of a commercial fusion sector by engaging with the public to explain this safe energy alternative. “Just as it’s important for the public to learn more about the exciting developments happening in fusion, private companies should learn about public sentiment,” said Sam Wurzel, founder of Fusion Energy Base, an organization that follows fusion companies, supply chains and jobs. “What opportunities are there for local communities to engage with the fusion researchers and fusion companies? How are fusion companies facilitating those connections? I think these are important questions for the fusion industry to ask itself, and they will become more important as commercial fusion comes closer to fruition.”
B. Rose Huber and Rachel Kremen contributed to this story.
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, a new partnership between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), SOSV venture capital firm and the Pri...
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, a new partnership between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), SOSV venture capital firm and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), will help launch and grow startups focused on plasma technology.
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will be located near the PPPL in Princeton, NJ and will feature approximately 10,000 square feet of laboratory and working space. It will be a Strategic Innovation Center for low-temperature plasma research, “which is essential to advancing semiconductor manufacturing processes and fusion supply chain development,” according to the PPPL.
“With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this industry forward and further the state’s clean energy and energy resiliency goals,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan.
While the center focuses on low-temperature plasma applications, the endeavor was announced at a summit on planning supply chains for future fusion power plants at Rutgers University this week. The event was hosted by the Fusion Industry Association, the PPPL and the Stellar Energy Foundation.
Low-temperature plasmas (LTPs) are weakly ionized gases that operate at or near room temperature. Or as a PPPL slide deck puts it: LTPs are “plasmas with a gas temperature much less than what would cause ionization.” New ways of generating and controlling low-temperature plasma could have applications such as medicine, food processing and aerodynamics, according to Purdue University. Unlike fusion plasma, which can run over 100 million degrees Celsius, LTPs are already used in everyday applications:
The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will focus on advancing these low-temperature plasma applications, particularly for semiconductor manufacturing.
Experts at the summit said the supply chain processes for fusion energy must be considered now.
A 2025 FIA report states that the fusion supply chain would benefit from a concentration of fusion companies in one area. Participants in the summit identified many reasons why the northeast could serve as this fusion energy hub.
Princeton University and Columbia University both have fusion research programs. In addition, the PPPL, one of the DOE’s national laboratories, is located in Princeton. The northeast also has a transit system, large ports, available capital and a growing private fusion sector with companies like Thea Energy and Commonwealth Fusion Systems. The NJ HAX Plasma Forge is another step towards developing this area as the fusion center of the U.S.
Another part of planning this supply chain involves public-private partnerships. Participants in the summit noted how the government can accelerate progress in this area by contributing more significant funding than private investments.
The growth in fusion funding and the establishment of facilities like the NJ HAX Plasma Forge highlight how different plasma technologies are advancing in parallel. While the Plasma Forge will focus on near-term commercial applications of low-temperature plasma, from making computer chips to treating cancer, its location in Princeton positions it within a growing ecosystem of plasma research that spans from industrial applications to fusion energy. The FIA reported the total funding of the fusion energy market as approximately $7.1 billion in 2024, compared to $6.2 billion in 2023.
Public funding in the industry grew by 50% from $271 million in 2023 to $426 million in 2024. At total of 16 companies reported being part of a public-private partnership globally.
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