Nonprofit 501(c)(6) — Advancing Tech in the Garden State
New Jersey Innovation & Technology Alliance
Advocating for the secure and ethical adoption of Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Web 3.0, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
- Hackensack, NJ
- · Est. 2024
- · 501(c)(6) Nonprofit
// the environment
New Jersey's Tech future is a hotbed for innovation
Blockchain Frameworks
Real-World Assets (RWAs) are transitioning from pilot programs to production-scale infrastructure, providing New Jersey’s public & financial sectors with tools to automate compliance and facilitate intraday settlements.
Artificial Intelligence Adoption
The New Jersey Innovation Authority, established in Jan 2026, is modernizing government services using AI and human-centered design. NJ is also funding workforce development through AI literacy programs and new learning ecosystems. How to power AI data centers is at the center of the debate.
Crypto & Bitcoin
The financial opportunity for adopting crypto and bitcoin in New Jersey in 2026 is driven by a vigorous state-level push to be a national innovation hub, retail crypto payment adoption, and Stablecoin rules’ settlements.
// Community Events
New Jersey P2P Insights
MAY 22
2026
2026 Global Bitcoin Pizza Party - Hoboken Edition
networking
// the NJITA effect
Transformation and Innovation Pillars
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Building Bridges
Opening spaces for entrepreneurs, funders, and lawmakers to convene and chart the path for economic prosperity.
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Educate
New Jerseyans need the knowledge and tools to join the prosperity bandwagon through monthly meetings and policy updates.
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Advocate
Maintaining a direct line with state lawmakers to increase financial incentives and strategic market infrastructure.
// leadership
Who We Are
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Carlos Merino
Founder & Executive Director
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Carlos Iván Merino is a dynamic government affairs professional and political strategist with over a decade of experience in public service and campaign management. He is currently serving as a Government Representative at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. His passion for DeFi in 2017 took the driver’s seat when his research sparked a state Taskforce examining blockchain integration at government levels. Recognized as a state powerhouse on the ROI-NJ 2026 Power List in AI & Technology and as 2026 Leader in Finance by NJBIZ. He is also the NJ Chapter President for Stand With Crypto.
CM
Carlos Macías
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Carlos Macías is a professional bilingual marketing strategist, technologist, and journalist with experience across multiple industries including finance, pharma, CPGs, media, nonprofit, and luxury. He brings a robust experience building communities and innovation around topics like health equity, diversity and inclusion in marketing, and consumer advocacy. He received a Master Degree in Journalism from Columbia University and a BA in Business Journalism and History from Baruch College – CUNY.
AM
Angela Marrugo Moreno
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Angela Marrugo Moreno is a Labor Law Attorney and Human Resources professional based in Hackensack, New Jersey. With specialized certification in Labor Law and Industrial Relations from Universidad Externado of Colombia, she brings deep expertise in employment law and workplace dynamics. A bilingual professional fluent in Spanish and English, Angela combines her legal acumen with strong leadership to foster positive workplace environments across multiple industries.
// Support NJITA
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