New Jersey’s Diverse Innovation Economy Showcased During AfroTech Executive 2025

September 29, 2025 at 10:31 am 4 minute readNEWARK, N.J. (September 29, 2025) – Earlier this month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) sponsored AfroTech Executive 2025 at the Prudential Tower in Newark. This second annual event brought together corporate executives, founders, entrepreneurs, and investors for vital discussions on tech innovation, financial literacy and responsibility, and generational wealth creation.“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey’s tech and innovation sectors continue to flourish, making the Garden State an ideal place for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “It’s an honor to partner with AfroTech to bring this conference back to Newark for a second year. The NJEDA remains committed to breaking down barriers and building a more diverse innovation economy—one that will create jobs, expand opportunity, and ensure lasting prosperity for all New Jerseyans.Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka delivered opening remarks at AfroTech Executive 2025, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivered virtual remarks during the conference. Personal finance educator and author of the New York Times Best Seller Get Good with Money, Tiffany Aliche, served as this year’s keynote speaker.“I was delighted to join the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, AfroTech, and Blavity for the AfroTech Executive 2025 Conference in New Jersey’s very own City of Newark to welcome this year’s attendees and introduce the captivating The Collaboration Blueprint: Public, Private, and Policy in Partnership panel, featuring Congresswoman LaMonica McIver and Aisha Glover, and moderated by Gary Mann,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “Now, more than ever, it is so important to be doing the work to ensure that every community is included in the opportunities we are seeing in the emerging tech industry. I’m so proud that our administration, for the past nearly 8 years, has been deeply committed to establishing partnerships to make New Jersey a state where all can succeed and thrive.”“Over the last few years, we’ve seen New Jersey continue to become a home to more tech focused and innovation driven companies,” said Senator Booker. “For the state to partner with AfroTech alongside NJEDA is a testament to our shared efforts to strengthen our economy and ensure its diversity, guaranteeing a stronger, more prosperous New Jersey for all.”Congresswoman LaMonica McIver joined the conference’s first panel The Collaboration Blueprint: Public, Private, and Policy in Partnership. Gary Mann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ, and Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation of Audible and NJEDA Board Member, also joined the panel. The panelists highlighted proven strategies and collaborative models that merge public purpose with private capital, and policy with measurable progress.“I was delighted to join AfroTech Executive 2025 and be part of important conversations focused spurring innovation and economic growth in the communities I serve,” said Rep. McIver. “As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to champion this work in NJ-10 and in Washington. I appreciate the NJEDA’s partnership in our shared commitment to creating jobs and building a stronger inclusive economy.”“The Afrotech Executive event was an exhilarating opportunity to celebrate Black innovators at technology’s cutting edge, entrepreneurs at the vanguard of economic development and disruptors who leverage policy for maximum remunerative impact on both a global and local scale,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.  “Perched at the vantage point of yesterday and tomorrow, and poised for global leadership in innovation economics, Newark was the perfect host city for this important forum, where transformative financial ideas were exchanged and their application toward meaningful community benefits exemplified.”The second panel, From Capital to Institution: Investing for Legacy, Power, and Economic Permanence, included Jeff Cherry, Managing Partner, Conscious Venture Partners; Blessy Thomas, Partner, Innovate Capital Growth Fund; and Amos Winbush, CEO and Founder, bckrs.ai. This panel focused on how early-stage decisions shape ecosystems, industries, and ownership patterns.“AfroTech Executive’s convening in New Jersey proved what’s possible when leadership, capital, and innovation meet with intention,” said SVP of AfroTech and Live Events, Simone Tyler. “This partnership with NJEDA created opportunities for local business leaders, corporate businesses and civic leaders to discuss the future or growth in tech and business. The result was measurable progress and a blueprint for what comes next.”“The Afrotech event was timely, forward thinking and transformational at the same time,” said Founder, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). “We applaud the NJEDA for its thoughtfulness and support for this form of programming in New Jersey at this time.”“AfroTech Executive 2025 brought together leaders from the tech and innovation sectors, highlighting ways to break down barriers for Black entrepreneurs,” said NJEDA Chief Equity & Chief Inclusive Culture Officer Michelle Bodden. “It’s important to continue having these insightful conversations so that entrepreneurs of color have the tools they need to succeed and thrive, helping uplift businesses and entire communities.”About the NJEDAThe New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.###



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