Listen to this articleThe American Innovators Network announced Sept. 30 the launch of a New Jersey Chapter, which Carlos Iván Merino will lead.
AIN launched over the summer. It advocates for “Little Tech” such as small tech startups and entrepreneurs. Organizers say the New Jersey Chapter will elevate the voice of the startup community and Little Tech builders in state policy conversations.
“Little Tech founders and developers deserve a seat at the table to advocate for policies that allow them to innovative and build,” said Vanessa Day, executive director of the American Innovators Network.
Merino is a longtime advocate for the state’s innovation economy. He also leads the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance, which NJBIZ profiled earlier this year. Additionally, NJBIZ recently featured Merino on the 2025 Finance People to Watch list.
In this chapter president role, he will:
- Serve as the organization’s local spokesperson
- Lead educational events
- Mobilize grassroots supporters
- Connect innovators with policymakers
- Highlight the AI-powered solutions that founders are building here in the Garden State
“New Jersey is laying the groundwork to lead the nation in AI and next-generation technologies,” said Merino. “I’m energized by our momentum, and I look forward to ensuring our local start-up founders and developers have a voice in the policy process.”
Day added, “With Carlos at the helm, AIN’s New Jersey Chapter will make sure the Garden State’s start-ups aren’t left out of the conversation. By linking local entrepreneurs to a national network, we can collaborate, unite around common goals, and ensure early-stage companies have a fair chance to compete and grow.”
“We need to build an environment where innovation thrives – and the opportunities created by technology reach more people,” said Merino.
More information is available here.
