News & Events

Ben Franklin’s 2023 Program Overview

SEE FULL SCREEN An overview of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA's work in 2023. The Innovation economy in Pennsylvania is not confined to its urban centers like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Every day, entrepreneurs in more rural areas of Pennsylvania channel their creativity into building remarkable products, employing their neighbors, and creating...

Ben Franklin Technology Partners Invests in Ten Companies!

Ten startup companies located in Central and Northern PA recently received an investment from Ben Franklin that will allow them to further develop and commercialize new products, and software applications, or stabilize operations in a long-standing manufacturing business. The Ben Franklin program has been investing in tech startups for nearly 40 years, allocating capital to...

Ben Franklin’s Spring 2023 TechCelerator Winners Announced!

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, in partnership with Invent Penn State, hosted a virtual pitch event for their TechCelerator Startup Boot Camp. Eight entrepreneurial teams presented their business startup ideas to a panel of judges, friends, family, and other community members for a chance to win money to help launch their...

Winners Announced in PA Wilds $50,000 BIG IDEA Contest!

Winners Announced in PA Wilds $50,000 BIG IDEA Contest! In partnership with the PA WILDS Center for Entrepreneurship, and with funding support provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ recent $50,000 BIG IDEA Contest targeted the counties of Cameron, Elk, McKean, Warren located in the PA WILDS.  Ben Franklin’s BIG IDEA...

Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator is hosting a Virtual Pitch Event!

In partnership with the Invent Penn State initiative, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been offering its Business Startup Boot Camp for more than ten years. Eight entrepreneurial teams are currently in the process of completing this rigorous curriculum, which is presented twice a year to researchers, professors, graduate students, and local emerging entrepreneurs. Eight entrepreneurial...

Ben Franklin Technology Partners CNP Re-Invests in Two Startup Companies

At the April 2023 Board of Directors meeting, two startup companies were approved to receive an investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, allowing them to further develop a new product, process, or software application. The funding will be used for prototype development, testing of new products, hiring of additional employees,...

Finalists in the 2023 $50,000 PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest Announced!

In partnership with the PA WILDS Center for Entrepreneurship and with funding support provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ recent BIG IDEA competition targeted the counties of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren. Dozens of emerging entrepreneurs who are developing innovations related to the maker economy, forest products, outdoors and recreation,...

Ben Franklin Technology Partners Invests in Eight Startup Companies

Eight startup companies recently received an investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, allowing them to further develop a new product, process, or software application. The funding will be used for prototype development, testing of new products, hiring of additional employees, and to help grow company sales. These companies include: Ambient...

Ben Franklin Technology Partners Helped Retain 1,737 Jobs in 2022

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern Pennsylvania and its network of clients continue to bring cutting-edge ideas that impact Pennsylvania’s economy by driving investments, fostering entrepreneurship, supporting innovation in established manufacturers, and attracting and retaining talent. In 2022, Ben Franklin supported the creation of 29 new companies, 253 jobs, and helped clients retain...

Ben Franklin’s Food and Beverage TechCelerator Winners Announced!

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Ben Franklin Technology Partners hosted a virtual pitch event for their Food and Beverage TechCelerator. Eight entrepreneurial teams presented their business startup ideas to a panel of judges, friends, and family for a chance to win money to help launch their startup. The judges awarded two prizes, while friends, family,...