BetterFutureLabs, TechUnited and Rutgers University Partner to Launch BetterFuture@Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BetterFutureLabs, TechUnited and Rutgers University Partner to Launch BetterFuture@Work

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New Jersey, October 3rd, 2024 – BetterFutureLabs (BFL), in collaboration with TechUnited:NJ
and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,  proudly announces the launch of
BetterFuture@Work, a pioneering partnership focused on shaping the future of the work and
driving new commercial and educational opportunities within New Jersey. This initiative is
designed to capitalize on the state's unique industry landscape, workforce, and leading research
capabilities, leveraging emerging technologies to accelerate business innovation and job
creation.

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BetterFuture@Work will serve as an intellectual and commercial hub, fusing BetterFutureLabs’
startup studio platform, technology, and expertise with Rutgers’ world-class research, facilities,
and talent.  Together, the parties will focus on driving the development of 2-5 new ventures
annually, each strategically aligned with the evolving needs of New Jersey’s economy and
workforce.

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"We are excited to embark on this journey with Rutgers and TechUnited”, said Mark Yackanich,
Partner at BetterFutureLabs. "BetterFuture@Work represents a critical step in ensuring that
New Jersey remains at the forefront of innovation, particularly as rapid technological
advancements continue to reshape the way we all work. By combining the strengths of our
startup studio with Rutgers’ research excellence and TechUnited’s expansive community, we
are poised to create sustainable, high-impact partnership that will help fuel the state’s economic
growth and high-value job creation."

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The partnership between BetterFutureLabs, TechUnited, and Rutgers will focus on several key
objectives:
● Development of New Commercial Opportunities: The collaboration will drive the
creation of ventures that respond to the demands of the future workforce, leveraging
Rutgers’ academic and research capabilities.
● Educational and Entrepreneurial Engagement: The initiative will integrate venture
studio methods and advanced tools into educational programs at Rutgers, offering
students, faculty, and staff access to hands-on entrepreneurial experiences.
● Job Creation: The partnership will be focused on creating high-value jobs in New
Jersey, as all new companies founded in the program will be headquartered there.

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Aaron Price, CEO of TechUnited, commented, "Our partnership with BetterFutureLabs and
Rutgers is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving forward-looking innovation.
BetterFuture@Work will not only provide the platform and resources necessary for the creation
of new companies but will also help create new opportunities for New Jersey’s workforce."

Rutgers, represented by its Office for Research, will play a central role in the initiative,
supporting collaboration across the university and providing access to critical resources,
including facilities and research expertise. "Rutgers is proud to  partner with
BetterFuture@Work," said Michael E. Zwick, Senior Vice President for Research at Rutgers
University. "This initiative aligns with our mission of supporting all researchers' endeavors at
Rutgers, advancing knowledge, and contributing  to the public good while transitioning new
technologies from research to commercial viability. By fostering partnerships that bridge
academia and industry, we are driving innovation that has real-world impact, particularly in
areas vital to the state’s economic future."

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BetterFuture@Work is set to begin operations in October of 2024, with the first ventures
expected to be launched within the next six months.

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About BetterFutureLabs:
BetterFutureLabs (BFL) is a startup studio focused on the rapid validation and
commercialization of new business ideas. BFL partners with academic institutions, corporate
entities, and community organizations to create sustainable ventures that address the evolving
needs of the workforce and the economy.

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About TechUnited:NJ:
TechUnited (TU) is the leading community of entrepreneurs and innovators in New Jersey. TU
provides resources, programming, and a network of support to help businesses thrive in the
rapidly changing technological landscape.

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About Rutgers:
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the
state of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education.
Established in 1766, the university is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United
States. More than 67,000 students and 27,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public
at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Rutgers University-Camden,
and Rutgers Health.

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Media Contact:
Please e-mail:  media@betterfuturelabs.com

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