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The federal program allows for unrealized capital gains to be in low-income communities in exchange for a diminishing tax on capital gains. Learn more at Innovation NJ update.

Developers Eager to Engage Federal Opportunity Zone Program It’s not yet clear how or when the federal Opportunity Zone program will be handled by the team of Gov. Phil Murphy, but developers and lawyers are eager to begin working toward creating such a zone. The federal program was launched in December in connection with assorted tax reforms. It allows for unrealized capital gains to be reinvested in Opportunity Funds aimed at low-income communities – known as Opportunity Zones – in exchange for a diminishing tax on capital gains over the lifespan of the investment.

Kern Family Foundation Awards Grant to Rowan Engineering to Re-Imagine Engineering Education The Kern Family Foundation has awarded a $295,000 grant to the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering (COE) at Rowan University to further the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship into the College’s Freshman and Sophomore Engineering Clinics. “This grant allows us not only the opportunity to integrate our ideas but also to continue to leverage our partnership with the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN),” said Dr. Cheryl Bodnar, assistant professor, Experiential Engineering Education (ExEEd).

Five NJIT Students Selected as 2018 Governor’s STEM Scholars Five NJIT students – Ivan Mitevski, Kiera Nissen, Omar Qari, Priya Rajbabu and Michael Vitti – have been named 2018 Governor’s STEM Scholars, an honor that is providing them with unique opportunities to learn from and network with New Jersey STEM professionals, research organizations, academic institutions and state policymakers. They join their fellow scholars from universities, high schools and academies throughout New Jersey in attending STEM conferences and field trips, and in participating in a team-based research project.

Construction in Our Urban Centers: The Driving Factor Might after All Be – Not Driving
“Location, location, location” is the mantra of many urban dwellers – and why not? Major cities have unparalleled access to quality residential living space in close proximity to a plethora of commercial business centers boasting a host of job opportunities, a multitude of mass transit options, and second-to-none cultural amenities, such as museums, concert and sports team venues. In addition, a nearby walk yields retail and professional offices/services as well as gastronomic indulgences ranging from fine dining to barista-staffed coffee shops, to name a few perks.

Fiber-Fermenting Bacteria Improve Health of Type 2 Diabetes Patients The fight against type 2 diabetes may soon improve thanks to a pioneering high-fiber diet study led by a Rutgers University-New Brunswick professor. Promotion of a select group of gut bacteria by a diet high in diverse fibers led to better blood glucose control, greater weight loss and better lipid levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to research published this week in Science. The study, underway for six years, provides evidence that eating more of the right dietary fibers may rebalance the gut microbiota, or the ecosystem of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that help digest food and are important for overall human health.

Current Developments in Blockchain Law and Policy The panel will discuss the applicable legal regimes (including securities, commercial and corporate law) touching ICO transactions, as well as offer suggestions for the near-term future of ICO regulation. This program has been approved for 1.5 substantive CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. CLE credit may be available in other jurisdictions as well. Attendees seeking CLE credit should bring separate payment in the amount of $60.00 ($30.00 public interest/non-profit attorneys) cash or check made payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

Four businesses get $825,000 in US Energy Dept. grants for R&D projects The U.S. Energy Dept. has awarded small businesses in New Jersey five R&D grants, totaling $825,000, through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Grants in New Jersey went to: Plainfield-based Energy Research Co., Princeton-based Twinleaf LLC, Rutherford-based JMSI Inc., and Monmouth Junction-based Bio2Electric LLC, which received two grants. The grants run six to 12 months and range from $150,000 to $225,000. Those getting the grants also are eligible to apply for subsequent Phase II grants.

Student Business Competition Takes Rider University’s Entrepreneurial Program Boldly Forward For the first three years of its existence, the Rider University Idea/Business Concept Competition was a local affair, an opportunity for New Jersey high schoolers to showcase their entrepreneurial aspirations for the prize of a few thousand dollars, a plaque, and a trophy for their school. For its fourth go around, however, Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies decided to up the ante. The school approached entrepreneur Norm Brodsky, a famous Rider alum, who started eight businesses and authored two books on entrepreneurship.

Upcoming Events

Career Conference: Putting Theory and Research into Practice
When: Friday, April 13, 9am – 3pm
Where: Middlesex County College – 2600 Woodbridge Ave. – Edison

The Internet of Things – Transforming Your Business
When: Friday, April 20, 8:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott