TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today appointed Gunjan Doshi as the Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology. The Commission was re-established by Governor Murphy and the Legislature in August 2018, with a new mission of researching technology partnerships between private industry and New Jersey’s leading public and private research institutions. The Governor also appointed Debra Hart, Beth Noveck, and David Pascrell to serve on the commission.

“Gunjan is a long-time tech innovator and I look forward to his contributions as the chair of the Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This committee will be crucial to creating an innovation economy in New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience in technology consulting, Gunjan is the perfect person to lead its efforts.”

"It’s an honor to chair the commission of exceptional leaders, and I’m grateful to Governor Murphy for his role in reinstating the commission and putting us back on the path of innovation and crucial investment in our state’s STEM industries,” said Gunjan Doshi. “I believe in the incredible potential we have here in New Jersey, from innovative companies to leading universities and the generations of innovators poised to make great things happen. Bringing leaders from the business, higher education, and government sectors to tackle challenges and opportunities is the right decision for our future.” 

“Technology is a powerful disruptive force, and the future is abundant—both in the challenges we will face, and the opportunities available for us to bring about radical change. The reformation of this commission is a crucial step in positioning our state at the forefront of that change. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together,” Mr. Doshi continued.

Mr. Doshi is the Founder and CEO of InRhythm, a technology consulting firm focusing on digital products. Doshi sits on the board of several companies including Booker.com and Yodle, Inc. Doshi holds an M.B.A from the London Business School and Columbia University and graduated with a Master’s in Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is a resident of Clifton, New Jersey.

The former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology was originally created in 1985 and became non-operational in 2010. It was restored after the passage of A-3652.

“I welcome the appointment of Gunjan Doshi as the Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology. The newly-resurrected commission will work to identify the fields of science, innovation, and technology in New Jersey that offer the potential for application or commercialization and to find funding sources. Now more than ever we need to support and promote science and technology in New Jersey with an emphasis on ‘innovation.’ We have great research universities, a strong high-tech sector and businesses that can effectively capitalize on innovative research and development. This commission will help to facilitate the work and help to bring new ideas to market,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, the sponsor of the legislation that re-established and renamed the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology.

"From the many inventions created by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park to the cutting-edge research conducted at places like Bell Labs, New Jersey has long been a global leader of innovation. Our reconstituted Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology will help ensure that innovation continues to drive the New Jersey economy with high-paying jobs well into the future. I look forward to working with Gunjan Doshi on this endeavor," said Senator Robert Singer, a member of the commission and sponsor of the legislation that led to its resurrection.

“The Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology is essential for economic development and social progress,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “I am confident in Mr. Doshi’s leadership and welcome his experience and knowledge as we aim to grow New Jersey’s innovation economy.”

"Gunjan's leadership qualities and expertise are what the Commission needs to spearhead an innovation economy in New Jersey," said Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, a physicist who chairs the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. "In addition, his work as an entrepreneur make us well positioned to work with the university community and the private sector so that entrepreneurs will have the tools they need to create new companies in NJ focused on improving the lives of all."

“I am eager for this bi-partisan Commission to get to work on a strategic plan to solidify New Jersey’s position in global innovation,” said Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips. “It is no secret that we have stiff competition from other states in the pharma, biotech and medical device sectors.  Putting New Jersey at the forefront of science, technology and innovation must be the focus and goal of this Commission so we can keep our life sciences executives and jobs here in our state. Marketing and branding New Jersey as the nation’s leader in Innovation is something we must implement and something we can all agree upon.” 

The Commission is comprised of 17 members including the Secretary of Higher Education; the Commissioner of Education; and the CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.