The New Jersey-India Commission, Choose New Jersey, the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE), and the Association of Biotechnology Lead Enterprises (ABLE) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen biotechnology collaboration between New Jersey and India. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way officiated the signing, emphasizing the agreement’s potential to enhance economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
The MOU’s primary objectives include promoting life sciences and technology-based foreign direct investment, improving global competitiveness, and supporting collaborative research and development. This partnership builds on previous connections, including ABLE’s initial collaboration with Choose New Jersey in 2021, which involved partnerships with ILSE and BioNJ.
Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey and chair of the New Jersey-India Commission, highlighted the agreement’s significance in addressing ecosystem gaps and connecting industry and academic stakeholders. The collaboration aims to create meaningful opportunities in the biotechnology sector for both New Jersey and India.
The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE), a nonprofit research institute and accelerator established at Kean University in 2014, plays a crucial role in this partnership. Founded to improve global life science innovation, ILSE has developed research activities and programs to support faculty and student training. Thomas Richardson, ILSE’s President, expressed enthusiasm about strengthening ties with ABLE and expanding collaborative opportunities.
ABLE, a not-for-profit organization representing over 400 members, focuses on accelerating the biotechnology sector’s growth in India. The organization was first introduced to New Jersey leaders during Governor Murphy’s 2019 economic mission to India. The New Jersey India Center (NJIC), established during that trip, has been instrumental in facilitating relationships between Indian businesses and New Jersey partners.
Narayanan Suresh, ABLE’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the partnership’s significance in driving innovation and creating mutually beneficial relationships between the biotechnology ecosystems of India and New Jersey.
Lt. Gov. Way underscored the importance of this agreement, describing it as a continuation of efforts to strengthen economic ties with India, which she characterized as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
This partnership promises to create new pathways for research, investment, and technological advancement, potentially benefiting both regions through shared expertise, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
