Ten startup companies located in Central and Northern PA recently received an investment from Ben Franklin that will allow them to further develop and commercialize new products, and software applications, or stabilize operations in a long-standing manufacturing business.
The Ben Franklin program has been investing in tech startups for nearly 40 years, allocating capital to help catalyze economic growth, empower local entrepreneurs, and elevate rural Pennsylvania’s position as a hub for innovation.
Listed below are those that received funding approval at the June 2023 Board Meeting:
Advanced Power & Energy
Located in Mercer County, Advanced Power & Energy designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, and services hardware and develops and integrates software solutions in the power and energy sector for customers that are struggling to find solutions in utility grid-starved installations.
Ben Franklin is co-investing in Advanced Power & Energy along with the Mercer County Innovation Fund.
Boostpoint
Located in Lancaster County, Boostpoint is a recruitment marketing B2B SaaS platform that helps companies source and engage with qualified candidates through targeted social media advertising and automated SMS/text campaigns.
FIXED-HHS
Located in Erie County, FIXED-HHS is a technology-based company delivering a convenient and reliable handyman experience to homeowners and provides a source of referrals for handyman businesses. FIXED’s proprietary addresses the pain points that both customers and technicians experience with the current service industry.
HMS Technical Development
Located in Bradford, HMS Technical Development has developed a proprietary system to restore land after mining, construction, and oil and gas extraction. The system results in the permanent restoration of vegetation and decreased corrosion and run-off.
Horizon Technologies
Located in Elk County, Horizon Technologies developed highly complex and cost-effective solutions for metal powder products that increase part density and achieve rare levels of mechanical and magnetic performance. They also help those using other manufacturing processes convert their components to powder metal, reducing costs.
Impulse Technology
Located in Centre County, Impulse Technology developed a passive, prosthetic ankle device, Goralign, that uses a highly non-linear compliant mechanism for real-time self-alignment.
PSNERGY
Located in Erie County, PSNERGY is focused on delivering emissions reductions and energy savings for industrial companies in the primary metals industry. Proprietary IIOT systems, patented products, and tech-enabled services make up the proven methodology that allows PSNERGY to help some of the world’s largest industrial companies reduce their carbon footprint.
Ben Franklin is co-investing in PSNERGY along with The Hartman Innovation Fund.
WaveClear
Located in Erie County, WaveClear is an engineering and medical device company focused on the treatment of vascular diseases. They are developing a therapeutic ultrasonic energy system for applications in cardiac valve decalcification and peripheral vascular occlusive conditions afflicting millions of people worldwide.
Ben Franklin is a co-investor in WaveClear along with the Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority “Ignite Erie Fund”, The Hartman Innovation Fund, and Life X Global.
Wilds Sonshine Factory
Located in McKean County, Wilds Sonshine Factory creates high-quality distilled spirits from sunflower plants grown solely in the PA Wilds Region, while also housing an Agricultural Education Center where visitors can learn about local natural resources.
X-Hab 3D
Located in Centre County, X-Hab 3D designs, produces, and sells turnkey 3D concrete printing systems that can print all kinds of structures, from walls and foundations for houses and buildings to utility access holes, culverts, and bridges, and even artificial reefs.
