LINCROFT, N.J., Nov. 20, 2023 – Offshore wind developer Attentive Energy announced two proposed investments totaling $10.6 million to advance New Jersey’s innovation and small business economies at today’s innovation and small business gathering held in partnership with blue tech innovation leader SeaAhead and the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) at Monmouth County’s Brookdale Community College.

As part of its Attentive Energy Two (AE2) project, designed to help New Jersey meet its nation-leading offshore wind targets, Attentive Energy has proposed the following investments to help grow the local innovation ecosystem contingent upon award by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities:  

• $6.6 million to anchor SeaAhead’s mid-Atlantic New Jersey operations to launch a cross-sector innovation cluster, deliver multiple clean energy pilots, and promote equity and access in innovation. 
• $4 million to deliver technical support to small and diverse businesses at eleven regional New Jersey Small Business Development Centers across the state – with key investments at Monmouth County’s Brookdale Community College. 

From Thomas Edison to Bell Labs, New Jersey has been a key leader in creating innovation ecosystems, bolstered by cutting edge research and development. Attentive Energy honors this tradition through this multi-million-dollar commitment in organizational partnerships that will catalyze new advances in renewable energy research, development, and technology across the State.  

“The Attentive Energy Two team is proud to partner with SeaAhead and NJSBDC to support innovation and opportunities for small and diverse businesses in New Jersey,” said Damian Bednarz, Managing Director at Attentive Energy. “Localizing and diversifying the supply chain has been at the forefront of Attentive Energy’s mission which includes promoting equality of economic opportunities and eliminating barriers to participation.”  

“SeaAhead is thrilled to partner with Attentive Energy to foster a thriving ecosystem of startups that support responsible and inclusive offshore wind industry growth,” said Alissa Peterson, SeaAhead’s co-founder and CEO. “With Attentive’s successful proposal, we will expand from Boston into New Jersey, catalyzing blue tech startup growth, engaging stakeholders and conducting pilot projects, which will drive innovation and economic growth in the state.” 

“We at NJSBDC are thrilled to be partnering with Attentive Energy to help small/medium (SME) businesses with access to this amazing project for the State of NJ businesses,” said Kelly Brozyna, State Director & Chief Executive Officer at NJSBDC. “We will be looking to tap into our expertise with procurement, certification and the actual application process for the underserved community that may not realize this can be a great opportunity!  We will be targeting women, minority, Veterans, and the LGBTQ businesses with our expertise to give them a step up with doing business on this project. As the official technical assistance provider, consulting and training will be offered to help the businesses’ success.” 

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About the organizers:  

Attentive Energy Two  

AE2 is an offshore wind project designed to help New Jersey meet its nation- leading offshore wind targets and will strengthen and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Attentive Energy has developed a holistic offshore wind proposal, informed by engagement with hundreds of stakeholders over four years, that will create economic opportunities statewide reaching all 21 counties. Approximately 42 miles from its nearest point in New Jersey, the project will power over 600,000 homes with clean renewable energy. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, a partnership representing one of the largest offshore wind portfolios in the world, Attentive Energy Two is uniquely positioned and committed to delivering this major offshore wind project for New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.attentiveenergy.com/attentiveenergytwo. 

SeaAhead 

SeaAhead’s mission is to catalyze, build and invest in the best ocean startups to generate outsized venture returns and measurable impact. For more information, please visit www.sea-ahead.com. 

New Jersey Small Business Development Centers  

The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) network provides comprehensive assistance to small and medium businesses to maximize opportunities for growth and generate economic impact statewide. For more information, please visit www.njsbdc.com.