Ben Franklin Creates Virtual Energy Incubator
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania has created a dynamic virtual incubator to develop an entrepreneurial community surrounding the concepts of clean, alternative energy. The heart of the Virtual Energy Incubator (VEI) is a set of programs designed to assist member companies exploit new energy-related technologies. Incubator members can easily interact with other companies that have the same needs for funding relative to prototype development, testing, and market research. The virtual nature of the incubator creates the opportunity for networking and resource sharing without the need for expensive travel and time consuming face-to-face meetings.
Supporting this virtual community is a team comprised of personnel from the Ben Franklin Transformations Business Services Network, which will manage the incubator and provide client services.
Currently, the VEI is comprised of 15 company members including its two newest participants: PEPRO and Ernst Biomass. An Oil City, Pennsylvania-based company, PEPRO, is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of innovative shielded enclosures that protect sensitive, expensive communications’ equipment from lightening strikes. In 2008, the company embarked on the development of a new wind turbine and solar tower designed to power emergency communication units even in isolated locations cut off from the utility grid. For more information see, www.peprollc.com.
The Crawford County, Pennsylvania-based company, Ernst Biomass, LLC, is planning the development and operation of a biomass densification facility. The goal of the project is to convert switchgrass into a solid biomass fuel. Switchgrass pellets provide an attractive alternative when the price of wood pellets varies, often from lack of availability and cost change in fiber. Ernst Biomass, LLC has the distinct advantage of being able to create their own feedstock whereas the wood pellet/chip industries must rely on by-products from other industries for their supply. For more information on Ernst Biomass, LLC, see www.ernstbiomass.com.
Other incubator members include: Spinworks LLC (www.spin-works.com), KCF Technologies (www.kcftech.com), Energy Wall LLC (www.energywall.com), Solarity LLC, Pace Controls (www.pacecontrols.com), Expansyn Technologies, Illuminex (www.illuminex.biz), Sinewave Energy Technologies (www.sinewaveenergy.com), GreenTek Building Solutions (www.greentekbuildingsolutions.com), Terra Green Energy LLC (www.terragreenenergy.com), Pennsylvania Insulating Glass (http://pennsylvaniaig.com), Alcoil (www.alcoil.net), and Envinity (www.envinity.com).