London, UK — Governor Phil Murphy, in collaboration with Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, along with a delegation of industry and government leaders, successfully concluded a two-city, five-day economic mission to the United Kingdom. As the top U.S. state for UK foreign direct investment, New Jersey reinforced its longstanding relationship with the UK, opening avenues for collaboration in technology, clean energy, and life sciences. Strategic discussions with UK officials and regional leaders highlighted international investment as a crucial catalyst for generating high-quality jobs in New Jersey and boosting the state’s competitive advantage.

“This mission has strengthened our shared commitment with the United Kingdom to foster economic growth through innovation and partnership,” said Governor Murphy. “By advancing collaborations, we are positioning New Jersey as a prime destination, creating pathways for job growth and shared prosperity.”

Each day of the trip included discussions with government and industry leaders in key sectors throughout London and Cambridge. The Governor and Choose New Jersey leaders participated in roundtables with several business groups including the Association of British Healthtech Industries (ABHI), BritishAmerican Business (BAB), and companies in the Biotech, MedTech, and HealthTech sectors looking to enter or expand in the U.S. market. At the ABHI roundtable, the delegation engaged with key organizations such as Barts Life Sciences and UCLPartners. The discussions allowed state leaders to share the advantages of doing business in New Jersey as well as an overview of New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem.

Highlights of the economic mission included the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). The MOU between Climate Group and the State of New Jersey outlines both parties’ mutual climate goals. As part of this agreement, New Jersey joined Climate Group’s Under2 Coalition, which is a group of more than 175 states, regions, provinces, and subnational governments working together to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the UK’s Investment Association (IA) signed an MOU solidifying a partnership aimed at boosting FinTech collaboration between New Jersey and London. The agreement aims to attract capital, support FinTech firms’ expansion, and foster collaboration between NJEDA’s NJ FAST accelerator and IA’s Engine FinTech hub, underscoring both regions’ commitment to innovation and economic growth, enhancing transatlantic opportunities for businesses in the FinTech sector.

“This economic mission to the UK has underscored New Jersey’s commitment to being at the forefront of global innovation and sustainable growth,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “With agreements that open new doors for FinTech collaboration and environmental progress, we are building on our strengths as a state that not only attracts international business but also drives impactful partnerships.”

In addition to roundtable discussions held throughout the week, Governor Murphy participated in a keynote interview in London hosted by the Financial Times on artificial intelligence. In his address, Governor Murphy outlined New Jersey’s ambitious goals to position itself as a leader in AI, emphasizing the state’s commitment to responsible AI innovation, collaboration with world-class academic institutions, and partnerships with global technology firms. He underscored New Jersey’s advantages as a premier location for AI development and its vision for building a resilient, forward-looking economy driven by cutting-edge technology and a diverse talent pool.

The delegation also visited the West Cambridge Innovation District and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, exploring avenues for collaboration between New Jersey and UK businesses and leading research institutions. Additionally, First Lady Tammy Murphy engaged with the Thames Estuary Growth Board, an organization championing impactful sustainability initiatives, and participated in a roundtable discussion with a group of women in tech to discuss opportunities and resources available to them in New Jersey.

The United Kingdom is one of New Jersey’s top markets for business attraction and economic cooperation, offering a multitude of opportunities to build new partnerships and showcase the state’s leadership in innovation, life sciences, technology, and renewable energy. Currently, 146 UK companies have a presence in New Jersey, generating more than 12,000 jobs and $9.6 billion in two-way trade.

“Our mission to the United Kingdom showcased the qualities that set New Jersey apart as a global business hub,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “By deepening our partnerships in key sectors, we’re opening doors to new opportunities that will drive economic growth and foster lasting success for both New Jersey and our UK partners.”

The Governor and First Lady concluded the trip by attending a U.S. Veterans Day Event at the Cambridge American Cemetery, which included a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery’s Wall of the Missing.

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey United Kingdom economic mission may contact Natalie Hamilton (natalie.hamilton@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com), or visit choosenj.com/UKMission for additional details

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.