[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Eight startup companies recently received an investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, allowing them to further develop a new product, process, or software application. The funding will be used for prototype development, testing of new products, hiring of additional employees, and to help grow company sales.

These companies include:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ambient Homes, LLC, located in Adams County, is integrating the power of the smart home into senior living communities. Once installed in the community, the proprietary Ambient Home Hub integrates all smart home devices into a senior-optimized mobile app for residents, with support for any smart device brand. The Ambient Home Hub also provides the ability for residents to share device access, creating a network of support and security. With the Ambient Home Hub, community staff are less burdened and can provide better care through the assistive benefits of smart technology. In addition, residents can maintain their independence longer and gain the benefits of added convenience and security by holding the power of the smart home in the palm of their hand.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]AutoOps Technology Inc, located in Lancaster County, provides technology products and services to automotive repair and maintenance shops. AutoOps’ primary and initial product offering is an online scheduling tool that is easily installed on shop websites, seamlessly integrates with leading shop management systems, delivers a contemporary and engaging scheduling experience, and provides valuable marketing insights for the shop.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Atoptix, Inc., (Croptix) located in Centre County, is tackling the global issue of fatal crop diseases with its smart Ag platform that enables farmers to make data-driven decisions. With field-deployable sensors and ML analytics, Croptix detects crop diseases faster and more accurately than traditional methods. Currently, the platform offers a subscription service to citrus growers to manage the devastating citrus greening disease and save their groves.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]BowlNow, Inc., located in Cumberland County, assists social bowlers to find, reserve, and pay for a bowling experience by leveraging an application that streamlines the customer’s journey by filtering locations from a global marketplace of bowling centers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Forma Medical Inc., located in Cumberland County, is a medical device company specializing in design, manufacturing, and commercial distribution of surgical products for foot and ankle orthopedic procedures. Forma Medical’s first device targets hammertoe correction surgery.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Phiex Technologies, Inc., located in Centre County, is a self-sterilizing materials company, replacing the cancer-causing status quo ethylene oxide in medical device manufacturing, and to increase safety in food, defense, and beyond. Phiex enables medical device makers to sterilize in-line without capital equipment using light-activated, self-sterilizing materials which saves time and reduces costs.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]CPNet, LLC, located in Dauphin County – the AI-driven industrial IoT company, utilizing AI optimization algorithms and generative AI technologies to transform mid-market manufacturing. Harness Industry X.0 technology to boost legacy equipment productivity and unlock data-driven efficiency at a fraction of the cost.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Benefix, located in Lancaster County, provides an all-in-one health insurance and benefits platform, digitizing and automating an insurance brokers’ sales and service workflow, while providing a simple way for small businesses to find the best advice and enroll in health insurance and benefits digitally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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. Learn more at cnp.benfranklin.org   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]