[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Ben Franklin Technology Partners hosted a virtual pitch event for their TechCelerator Startup Bootcamp. Eight entrepreneurial teams presented their business startup ideas to a panel of judges, friends, family, and other community members for a chance to win $10,000 to launch their business.

Out of the eight entrepreneurial teams, two were awarded prize money!

First place of $5,500 went to TDAY Sports, founded by Justin Leusner (Centre County): A social media marketing company targeting Gen-Z sports fans, TDAY Sports creates captivating content to fill the gap in sports media focused on younger generations.

Second place of $4,500 went to Workforce Consolidation Solutions, founded by Ronnie Tillman-Hill and Alex Steele (Dauphin County): Providing eco-friendly employee transportation solutions, WCS optimizes routes and reduces commute times, enhancing employee experience and workforce management.

As a big congratulations and thank you to the rest of the entrepreneurial teams who participated in the TechCelerator, they are taking home $1,000 each to help them along their journey. The other teams who participated include:

Digital Evaluation Board, founded by Oren Gall (Centre County): OZG Systems’ Digital Evaluation Board (DEB) revolutionizes digital circuit design education with a portable, self-contained learning tool, enhancing flexibility and practical learning.

DementiAnalytics, founded by Kevin Mekulu (Centre County): Leveraging AI for early-stage detection and monitoring of dementia through speech pattern analysis, DementiAnalytics enables early intervention and improved patient outcomes.

KeyHealth Analytics, founded by Mike Hancock (Cumberland County): Streamlining PA Medicaid physician enrollment through automation, KeyHealth Analytics maximizes efficiency and reduces costs, allowing healthcare providers to focus on delivering quality care.

Kustom King Traditional Archery, founded by Ned Miller (Blair County): Addressing the challenges of traditional archers, Kustom King Traditional Archery provides high-quality products and expert guidance, focusing on online accessibility for enthusiasts.

PathQuester, founded by Stephanie Bowles (Centre County): Revolutionizing career readiness for underserved communities, PathQuester offers an AI-powered centralized learning platform with career matching and thousands of micro-courses.

PlayPrint, founded by Kevin Zhang and Syed Bokhari (Centre County): Offering innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to children’s toys, PlayPrint focuses on creativity, educational value, and sustainability.

About the TechCelerator: Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator offers a dynamic 10-week business boot camp, providing local entrepreneurs with a transformative platform to kickstart their startups. Through expert-led weekly group sessions and personalized mentorship, participants refine their business models, financial strategies, and presentation skills, culminating in a compelling pitch presentation. This program equips participants with the insights to gauge optimal startup timing and grants the chance to secure up to $15,000 in funding through a pitch before judges.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners: The largest seed investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners (an initiative of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) has been providing investment capital, business support services, and operational assistance to emerging tech-startups and small manufacturers for nearly 40 years.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]