News & Events

Two Winners of Ben Franklin TechCelerator’s Startup Boot Camp are Announced!

For Immediate Release:  June 13, 2013

STATE COLLEGE The Ben Franklin TechCelerator @State College is pleased to announce the names of the two winners of its recent 8-Week Boot Camp Program for budding tech entrepreneurs.  Corey Dillon and Chris Houser, from Innovative Interseeding Technology, were awarded a $7,500 prize, while Lindsay Fairman from FairTech Labs took home a check for $2,500.  The prize money was presented by Kevin Irick with SiliconScapes, a previous Boot Camp winner.

Corey and Chris developed a three-in-one Interseeder, a machine that helps reduce the time, energy, and costs of planting cover crops in corn and soybeans.  Cover crops protect the soil and help increase yields, reduce agricultural runoff, and increase farm profits.

Lindsay Fairman, CEO of FairTech Labs, developed “Shelf Scouter,” a personalized household product inventory management system.  This on-line and mobile tool helps organize, manage and acquire the day-to-day products used in every busy household.  Initially focused on mothers with young children, the tool can easily be adapted to other demographics.

Four other startups also successfully participated in the Boot Camp and made impressive final presentations to a panel of local judges.  These include:  Analytical Flavor Systems, Impulse Technology, Community Vines, and Atoptix.

Don McCandless, Director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator@State College, said, “We had a broad range of technologies in this particular cohort which created very interesting dynamics and conversations.  The teams were able to provide each other with varied perspectives on how their products would be perceived by the market and potential investors, which really accelerated the learning and progress of all participants.”

To learn more about the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program, or to contact either of the winners, phone Don McCandless at 814-865-2040 or email at dlm74@psu.edu