Centre County Resident Wins $35,000 “New Energy Idea” Contest!

For immediate release: July 27, 2010

State College, PA — The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA today announced the winner of their “New Energy Idea Contest.” The grand prize of $35,000 was awarded to Mr. Mark Leiby at a check presentation event held at Ben Franklin’s office located at 115 Technology Center in Innovation Park. Mr. Leiby, Lead Technologist of Aerokinetic Systems LLC, has developed a process for the vaporization of heavy hydrocarbons that can increase combustion efficiency by 20-25% while also reducing greenhouse emissions. The invention can be used to efficiently vaporize a number of hydrocarbon materials including JP8, diesel, and bio-diesel, among others.

The prize money for the contest was provided by Ben Franklin as well as PennTAP utilizing a donation made by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ben Franklin was proud to partner with the PennTAP program, since the technical assistance they provide their clients in energy-related initiatives makes a significant contribution in the state.

For further information, contact:

Liz Wilson
Ben Franklin Technology PArtners CNP
814-898-6541 lizwilson@psu.edu
or leibymw@comcast.net / 717-489-1533