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Ask Governor Murphy
WBGO, in collaboration with WNYC and WHYY presents Ask Governor Murphy, a live call-in broadcast with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

Murphy Says New Brunswick Innovation and Research Center Would Help Remake State's Economy

Governor Murphy says the innovation center would attract high-growth startup companies.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says a planned research and innovation center in New Brunswick could be a place for high-growth startup companies to thrive and boost the state’s economy.

New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill says a city-owned site in the downtown area is earmarked for the project.

“As a center for innovation for health care, biosciences, technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and analytics this offers the state of New Jersey an unparalleled opportunity for development.”

Barry Ostrowsky, the president and CEO of RWJ Barnabas Health, says the innovation center will help attract the scientists to expand health care research.

“This couldn’t be more timely. I don’t think there’s an industry frankly in our nation more in need of innovation, more in need of outstanding new ideas to ensure that those that we serve receive the kind of support in daily lives or in illness that they need.” 

Rutgers University president Robert Barchi says it’s one of the most important potential projects in the state.

“I’m certainly committed to producing the workforce for the future, but we’re also deeply committed to producing the ideas for the future. And it’s that idea economy, that technology, that new innovation, that needs to get out to the surrounding community.”   

Governor Murphy says development of the site is in the earliest stages of a years-long process that will require multiple partners.

“Rutgers research renown is unparalleled. We think this an opportunity to take it to yet another level. It’s an opportunity in the private sector not just to attract the big players like Johnson and Johnson but also to turn that needle aggressively in the startup community.”

Murphy says it’s too soon to tell how much the project might cost.

Ask Governor Murphy, a one-hour call in show produced by WBGO News, debuts Thursday, March 22nd at 7pm.  The show will air from the WBGO studios and is in collaboration with WHYY and WNYC.  The program is hosted by WNYC's Nancy Solomon.