Ben Franklin Program Invests $675,000 in Central and Northern PA
STATE COLLEGE, PA – For nearly 30 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP has been making investments in Pennsylvania’s tech-based start-ups, small manufacturers, and university-based research with the goal of developing new technologies, creating job opportunities, and helping Pennsylvania companies compete in a global environment. For more information on the program, click on http://www.cnp.benfranklin.org.
On December 13, 2011, the Board of Directors for Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, approved investments totaling $575,000 in four tech-based start-ups located in the program’s 32-county footprint. The Center’s Board also approved a $100,000 investment for one university-based research project involved in developing a method for removing sulfates from acid mine drainage
The Companies That Received a Ben Franklin Investment:
Located in Centre County, Chromatan Inc., has developed Countercurrent Tangential Chromatography (CTC) – a continuous, scalable, and disposable manufacturing solution for purification of monoclonal antibodies and other biologics. The company’s innovative system replaces expensive chromatography columns typically used in large scale protein purification processes with a cost-effective disposable cascade of tangential flow filters and static mixer modules. For more information about the company, contact Oleg Shinkazh at 617-529-0784.
Eduplanet Inc., located in Cumberland County, has developed a Social Learning Platform, which combines social networking and e-Learning technologies to provide continuing education curriculum. The company’s innovation offers professional development opportunities that are more efficient and cost-effective for budget-strapped school districts. For more information, click on http://www.eduplanet21.com.
In Clarion County, the Clarion Research Group (CRG) received funding to continue its development of bone growth products used in dental and orthopedic applications. Company founder, Dr. James L. Rutkowski, is an expert in the clinical effects of various compounds that improve bone formation. The Ben Franklin investment will help with the continued development of a faster, more predictable method for dental bone grafting and implants. For more information, click on http://www.clarionresearchgroup.com.
Currently located in Mercer County, Anderal Technologies is commercializing a revolutionary innovation related to the forming and shaping of metals called Electrically Assisted Manufacturing (EAM). This technology will enable metal manufacturers to take advantage of a procedure for metal forming that is more predictable and has lower scrap rates. The technology was developed by Dr. John Roth of Penn State, The Behrend College, and is being commercialized under a cooperative arrangement with Penn State University. Successful implementation will have a very significant impact on the industrial base in Pennsylvania as well as the entire United States. For more information, click on http://www.anderaltechnologies.com.