Coriell Institute Breaks Ground on New Life Sciences Campus and 

Strategic Innovation Center

Governor Murphy, State and Local Officials Hail Landmark Project

Camden – The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, a world-renowned biomedical research institution founded in 1953, today broke ground on its new life sciences campus that will also include the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center, a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) designated Strategic Innovation Center (SIC).

Coriell leaders were joined by Governor Phil Murphy, state, county and local officials, and community leaders, to hail the Coriell Institute’s continued commitment to the City of Camden and the many scientific and economic benefits the project will generate.

“We view this project as Coriell 2.0, continuing and expanding on our founder, Dr. Lewis Coriell’s commitment to the City of Camden and vision for life sciences research,” said Jean-Pierre Issa, M.D., President and CEO of the Coriell Institute. “The Institute has been an anchor institution in Camden and at the forefront of scientific discovery for 72 years. Leveraging our standing in the scientific community and expertise in research and biobanking, we expect this project to be the catalyst to building a life sciences ecosystem in the region and making Camden a life sciences research destination.”

“For nearly eight years, my Administration has worked tirelessly to solidify New Jersey’s position as a global leader in innovation and the life sciences. The launch of our Strategic Innovation Centers program holds tremendous promise to fuel discovery, accelerate breakthroughs, and drive economic growth,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With the addition of the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center, we are not only expanding New Jersey’s innovation economy—we are setting a new standard. This center will advance the frontiers of biomedical research and development, unlocking groundbreaking discoveries and technologies that will shape the future of medicine and improve lives for generations to come.”

This first building will serve as the Coriell Institute’s new headquarters, research center and biorepository, which will include housing six National Institutes of Health (NIH) biobanks.

The top two floors will house the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center, a joint project of the Coriell Institute and the NJEDA, that will encompass 45,000 square feet of premium incubator space to host emerging biotechnology companies. The NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center will also provide access to core facilities, a vivarium and corporate suites, as well as to Coriell’s renowned biobanking and laboratory services, making it a one-stop shop for a developing biotech company’s infrastructure and laboratory needs. Companies will also have the ability to collaborate with Coriell scientists, the Camden Cancer Research Center and other leading research and healthcare institutions in the region.

The building is expected to open in early 2028 and generate 100 permanent jobs.

“Camden is a national model of urban revitalization, and this progress is driven by anchor institutions like the Coriell Institute,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “The Coriell Institute has been in Camden since 1953. I am grateful to President and CEO, Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa for his commitment to not only keep Coriell in Camden but expand the campus. The project will create permanent jobs and construction jobs, moreover, it will attract world-class scientists and biopharmaceutical companies. This will be a tremendous economic boost to our city, South Jersey, and the region.”

“For more than 70 years, Coriell has been a part of Camden City’s story. The new Coriell Innovation Center will build on its legacy by creating jobs, strengthening our community, and keeping South Jersey on the map as a leader in innovation and life sciences,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Burlington/Gloucester). “By hosting companies that specialize in cancer research and developing lifesaving medication, South Jersey is leading the way in medical research.”

“The Coriell Institute has been a source of pride for Camden and South Jersey for decades, attracting investment, creating high-quality jobs, and driving scientific breakthroughs,” said Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). “This historic NJEDA partnership will carry that legacy forward, positioning Camden as a hub for world-class life sciences research and a place where young people can see opportunity in their own backyard and be inspired to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation.”

“The Coriell Institute has long been a cornerstone of scientific innovation in Camden, and this project represents an exciting investment in our city’s future,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester). “By expanding research capabilities, this effort strengthens South Jersey’s position as a leader in the life sciences and ensures that the benefits of innovation are felt across our communities.”

“I am proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Coriell Institute’s new Strategic Innovation Center in Camden. This project will solidify South Jersey’s role as a leader in biomedical innovation, providing emerging biotech companies with the tools they need to succeed while creating good jobs for area residents,” said Senator James Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “I commend Governor Murphy, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and Coriell’s leadership for their commitment to investing in Camden and advancing lifesaving research that will benefit communities here in New Jersey and around the globe.”

“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for the Coriell Institute and for Camden,” said Assemblyman William Spearman (D-Camden/Gloucester). “This new headquarters and Innovation Center will advance lifesaving research, create economic opportunity, and inspire future generations, ensuring South Jersey remains a leader in innovation and discovery.”

"The Coriell Institute's partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the City of Camden is revolutionizing biomedical research," said Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. (D-Camden/Gloucester). "Today's ground-breaking is just the start. Scientists and entrepreneurs from around the world will converge in New Jersey to drive the next life science breakthroughs. At the same time, the Innovation Center will create permanent jobs and opportunities for New Jersey residents."

“This is an exciting moment for Camden and for the future of biomedical innovation in New Jersey. The establishment of the NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center in Camden marks a transformative step in our commitment to fostering scientific advancement and economic

growth in South Jersey,” said Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (D-Camden/Burlington). “The partnership between NJEDA and Coriell Institute for Medical Research is bringing real opportunities to our community—cutting-edge research, new jobs, and a stronger local economy.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has made unprecedented investments in its innovation ecosystem, providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed and reinforcing the state’s role as a global innovation leader,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, Camden will become a central hub for advanced biomedical research, driving forward lifesaving advancements in cancer treatment, stem cell technology, epigenetics, and drug discovery. By collaborating with Coriell, industry partners, and academic institutions, the NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center will harness the state’s top talent to build the companies of tomorrow, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen New Jersey’s economy.”

“The Coriell Institute for Medical Research's new science campus and Strategic Innovation Center will serve as a catalyst for discovery, employment, entrepreneurship, and collaboration—right here in the heart of the Parkside and Gateway communities,” said Bridget Phifer, Chief Executive Officer of the Parkside Business and Community in Partnership. “We are excited to see an even stronger partnership emerge between Coriell and the community, ensuring broad access to the tools, resources, opportunities and benefits that will be generated by this new facility.”

About the Coriell Institute

Founded in 1953, the Coriell Institute for Medical Research is an independent non-profit biomedical research center that conducts groundbreaking research in cancer, genetic and infectious diseases, aging and personalized medicine. Coriell also accelerates scientific discovery by generating world-class biomaterials through establishing and curating key biobanks that contain some of the world’s most extensive collection of cell lines, DNA, and other biomaterials for use by the international research community.