Ben Franklin Technology Partners is excited to announce the selection of eight finalists from 29 applicants across the 32 counties we serve. These innovative entrepreneurs have been chosen to participate in our renowned TechCelerator Business Bootcamp, a 10-week program that helps early-stage startups explore the feasibility of their business ideas. With the guidance of experienced business coaches, the selected finalists will enhance their concepts and work toward the chance to win up to $15,000 in seed funding to officially launch their ventures.
Meet the Finalists of the Fall 2024 Cohort:
Revive & Revel (Ryan Formica, Formica Group)
Revive & Revel addresses the challenge of extending the lifespan of outdoor gear while reducing environmental impact. Their products include a premium DWR spray and an advanced odor-eliminating disinfectant that help maintain and protect gear, prolonging its lifespan and reducing waste. They’re also developing a new DWR formula that is compliant with upcoming PFA regulations.
Vizulingo (Mark Murphy)
Vizulingo is a mobile application that uses virtual reality, AI, and gamification to teach English for home healthcare to non-native speakers. Partnering with Adult Literacy programs and Workforce Development Centers, Vizulingo equips healthcare workers with the necessary communication skills, helping to fill critical staffing gaps and raising care standards.
RouteMe (Tim May)
RouteMe offers iOS and Android apps for technicians and a web portal for administration to streamline field operations. The mobile apps help technicians manage schedules, access customer information, and optimize routes. By integrating with users’ preferred map apps, RouteMe helps reduce travel time and improve efficiency.
Kinzua Yarn (Victoria Boehmer)
Kinzua Yarn operates a fiber mill that processes raw fiber from sheep and alpacas into value-added products like yarn and combed tops. These raw materials are then used to create finished goods, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable textiles.
Englishly (Ismaiel Sofrata)
Englishly is an AI-powered tool that provides a personalized learning experience for non-native English speakers. Users can practice their English-speaking skills with AI characters that simulate real-world interactions, making it easier to master everyday conversations.
Otzzy (Tim Emerick)
Otzzy offers a unique solution for embedding cherished memories into physical products. By uploading videos onto Otzzy’s private server, users can personalize and store keepsake videos into items such as mugs or apparel, which can be accessed easily with a mobile phone tap.
Microversal (Laura Weyrich)
Microversal provides Oral Microbiome Transplantation (OMT) to combat dental decay and periodontal disease. This innovative technique involves transferring healthy dental plaque microbes from super donors to individuals suffering from oral health issues, offering a unique, natural solution to long-term dental problems.
Elevated Hunting Solutions (Mark Cangemi)
Elevated Hunting Solutions designs and manufactures fall protection products, such as anchor straps, full-body harnesses, and rescue descent systems for recreational hunters and tree stand users. Additionally, they private label these products for the commercial construction and industrial markets, ensuring compliance with ASTM, OSHA, and ANSI standards.
After the program, these eight teams will pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $15,000 in funding to help turn their ideas into reality.
