Governor Murphy Announces Winners of the Future of Work Accelerator Open Innovation Challenge

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced winners selected for the New Jersey Future of Work Accelerator program – the result of a national call for applications for innovations designed to promote worker rights, worker safety, and lifelong learning. The selected participants will now start a 9-month program to help them start, grow, or scale their projects in New Jersey.A panel of expert judges selected 19 winners in a highly competitive process. Judges evaluated applications on a number of criteria including existing or planned commitment to invest in New Jersey, the ingenuity of the proposed concept, the level of social impact on vulnerable workers, and the potential for sustainable growth.“I’m proud to announce the first-ever cohort of the Future of Work Accelerator program, and I’m eager to see them apply their creativity, dedication, and innovative approaches to help New Jerseyans thrive,” said Governor Murphy.  “To the participants, congratulations and the best of luck as you hone and supercharge your work through the Accelerator. This announcement is an important milestone as we continue the work to make New Jersey a hotbed for equitable innovation. ”“These innovators are taking on incredible challenges and the Accelerator is here to help,” said Beth Simone Noveck, Chief Innovation Officer for the State of New Jersey. “This is an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills through masterclass sessions, connect with peer innovators, and receive personalized coaching to help them implement their initiatives and achieve the greatest impact. I look forward to working with this cohort and helping them meet the challenges of the future of work head on.”“At a time when economic security is central to so many, we are excited to support this diverse cohort of innovators focused on helping workers and their families navigate the future and prosper,” said Sean Kline, RSA US Future of Work Director. “We are also excited to see this cohort inspire others and help us envision a future that works for all.”“The Workers Lab is proud to support the New Jersey Future of Work Accelerator and congratulates every winner,” said Adrian Haro, Chief Executive Officer of The Workers Lab. “As an organization that gives new ideas for and with workers a chance to succeed, we are so excited to see the tremendous innovations and level of competition among the applicants. We look forward to seeing the impact made by the winners.”2021 Future of Work Accelerator CohortA-Plus Apprentice

FreeWorld

Makerhoods Inc.

Shimmy Technologies Inc.

Startup Tribes

STEERus INC

Toucan App Inc.

Ultranauts Academy

Viva Translate

Year Up

Link to article: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20210913a.shtml