New Jersey has a maternal health crisis, according to first lady Tammy Murphy, who is leading efforts to improve care for mothers and newborns. In 2019, Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife established Nurture NJ, with the goal of ending racial disparities in maternal and infant health. On Friday, 17 New Jersey startup companies were awarded grants to develop products, services and technologies to support the well-being of mothers and their children. Each company received a grant of $75,000. Some of the projects funded by the grants include products to fight morning sickness and special pacifiers that can dispense infant medication.
“Your projects truly have the power to address each of these concerns, save lives, ease discomfort and make significant medical advancements. And more than that, it’s obvious that every single awardee receiving a grant has led their work not only with innovation and talent, but also with empathy and understanding of the specific needs of mothers. And that, at the end of the day, is the core of our work,” the first lady said.
Funding comes from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Commission on Science Innovation and Technology. The groups expect to hold another competition in the future to award more grants.
