Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Debbie Hart, founding CEO of BioNJ, has shaped New Jersey’s life sciences sector for 30+ years
- Also chairs New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT)
- Highlights state initiatives like the Innovation Evergreen Fund, HELIX & Strategic Innovation Centers, attracting companies to NJ
- Appointed to Gov.-elect Sherrill transition team to advance economic development, life sciences innovation
Debbie Hart has long been one of the most influential figures in New Jersey’s life sciences sector.
As the founding president and CEO of BioNJ, Hart has spent more than three decades shaping the state’s innovation ecosystem as well as advocating for companies working at the forefront of biotechnology and medical research.
Her leadership extends beyond the organization itself: Hart also chairs the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. At CSIT, she plays a central role in advancing the state’s strategy around research, commercialization and high-growth technology development.
Her impact has earned her consistent recognition across the business community including in these very pages where she is a perennial member of the NJBIZ Power 100 list.
With no shortage of things happening in a life sciences sector undergoing rapid change — and with a new administration preparing to take office here in Jersey, on the heels of a new federal administration — NJBIZ sat down with Hart to discuss the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how BioNJ is positioning New Jersey to stay competitive.
The conversation opened with a question about how 2025 unfolded for BioNJ and the sectors the organization represents.
Highs and lows
“It’s been, as is often in this industry, a rollercoaster,” Hart told NJBIZ. “Some definite highlights and some really exciting times. I have been to more than a dozen ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings this year. And that doesn’t happen by accident. That is because of all the work that’s been done by the state government – the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, the support of the Legislature – that have really made a difference and made those things possible.
“So, that’s very exciting. You can’t deny the fact that that is happening in really an unprecedented time in terms of what the industry is going through – the uncertainty at the federal level, in particular; the economic markets; the funding for the industry, specifically. There’s plenty of money out there. It’s just not coming to the industry.
“People are holding their powder right now. All of the good news with that backdrop is really extraordinary. So, we’re feeling pretty blessed on that front. At the same time, we’d love to see some more certainty in the capital markets and beyond.”
“On the ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, and I’ve seen you at a bunch of those, Debbie. Despite what the narrative might be, a lot of companies are investing in New Jersey, moving here, relocating here, or doubling down. From your perspective, what’s that been like to see companies increasing their investment here in New Jersey?” NJBIZ asked.
“It’s heartwarming and exciting,” said Hart. “It’s the kind of thing that anybody hopes for – as you’re trying to help support and build an ecosystem, to have people actually come and want to take part in it and invest in it, is really just extraordinary.”
Seeing the fruits
“You mentioned the collaboration that goes on – you serve on the CSIT. Your organization works very closely with the NJEDA. And of course, we’re winding down the Murphy administration. Can you speak about what it’s been like working with the administration for the last eight years? And some of the good work that’s been done toward those goals, such as getting companies to invest here and things of that nature,” NJBIZ asked.
![“Most of what I have to say tonight, frankly, can be boiled down to two words – thank you,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at the opening of his speech at BioNJ's 31st Annual Dinner Meeting & Innovation Celebration. “With the help of everyone in this room, from our leading biopharmaceutical professionals to our amazing patient advocates. Today, as [President and CEO Debbie Hart] said, New Jersey's life sciences industry is booming.”](https://originnjbiz.wpenginepowered.com/files/2024/02/Murphy-lectern_BioNJ-dinner_IMG_1023-e1765383236406.jpg)
“We’ve been fortunate,” said Hart. “I’ve been at this since 1993. We incorporated in 1994 – and each governor, whether male or female, has put his or her stamp on support for the industry in a large variety of ways. Since you’re focusing on the fact that Gov. [Phil] Murphy is leaving, just to highlight some of Gov. Murphy’s work – he has wanted to be the ‘Innovation Governor.’
“A lot of the ribbon cutting and groundbreakings that you’re seeing are because of the innovative work that he’s done to support innovation – and has supported since when he was running for governor. When he was running, he was talking about his vision for something like the HELIX – and that we were always the ‘Innovation State.’ And let’s get that back.
“Starting with the reinstatement of the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, and numerous other things like that throughout his eight years – we’re seeing the fruits of his vision and investment.”
Seeing is believing
“You deal with these bio and life sciences companies directly all the time. Do you get the sense that those efforts are being felt – things like the HELIX, the Strategic Innovation Centers, the investments being made at the state level – within the industry?” NJBIZ asked.
Hart said it is undeniable.
“We are seeing actual realities,” said Hart, pointing to the tangible examples beyond just press releases and announcements. “The Innovation Evergreen Fund that evolved in this administration has become a reality. It’s still in building mode, of course. But they have increased the number of venture firms that have been approved.
“They have funded some companies and, in fact, two companies from Massachusetts have moved here because of the Innovation Evergreen Fund. One example of many where we are seeing the results – the fruits of the labor. Again, it doesn’t happen by accident.”
The ‘why’
The discussion with Hart took place just before the election of incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill. She discussed working with a new administration – following a tense election season – and how her organization navigates all of that.
“We have 400 members representing thousands and thousands of employees,” said Hart. “Not everyone’s a D. Not everyone’s an R. At the end of the day, what we can all agree on is the fact that we need to support New Jersey. We need New Jersey to maintain its place. We need New Jersey to take back some of the things that we’ve lost in terms of being top this or that.
“And getting off the list where we’re top when we don’t want to be. But it’s really important that investment continues in New Jersey.”
Our mission is to make sure that New Jersey is a place where innovation is happening unencumbered. And then patients can then access that innovation.
– Debbie Hart, president and BioNJ
Hart noted how BioNJ’s tagline is – patients can’t wait.
“Our mission is to make sure that New Jersey is a place where innovation is happening unencumbered. And then patients can then access that innovation,” Hart explained. “That’s our why. That’s what drives us every single day and guides us. We can put politics aside – because at the end of the day, we all have a larger vision, mission, and job to do.”
Looking ahead
In a statement following the election results, Hart said:
“BioNJ, the life sciences trade association for New Jersey, and our 425 Member companies, stand ready to work with Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov.-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell to ensure that the Garden State continues to be a global leader in life sciences innovation,” said Hart. “We look forward to supporting Gov.-elect Sherrill’s efforts to fulfill New Jersey’s longstanding motto of ‘Liberty and Prosperity’ — advancing opportunities for New Jerseyans and improving the lives of Patients around the world.”
Shortly after the election Nov. 21, Hart was appointed to the new administration’s transition action team for Driving New Jersey Forward: Economic Development and Innovation.
“I very much look forward to the opportunity to serve incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill and her administration in this way and to collaborating with fellow transition leaders to advance economic strategies that boost New Jersey’s competitiveness, attract and grow life sciences and other investment to our State and expand Patient access to groundbreaking therapies,” said Hart following that appointment in a statement.
Please stay tuned for more of NJBIZ’s discussion with Debbie Hart.
