News & Events

Ben Franklin Technology Partners Invests More Than $2.5 Million in PA Tech-Startups!

STATE COLLEGE, PA – The Board of Directors for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA recently approved investments totaling more than $2.5 million in companies located in the Center’s 32-county footprint . While each of the companies serves different markets and are in various stages of their business development, they all took important steps in turning a good idea into a business reality by applying for Ben Franklin funding.

If you need startup funding to commercialize a new product, process, or software application and are located in central or northern Pennsylvania, you could be eligible to receive our investment capital and business support services. Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been investing in tech-startups and small manufacturers for nearly 35 years.

To learn more about the Ben Franklin program, visit our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org or check out this quick video http://bit.ly/1iabSx5   

Below are the newest companies in Ben Franklin’s portfolio that are going from Startup to UP and running!

 AIONX Antimicrobial Technologies, located in Hershey, developed a novel, antimicrobial technology that continuously cleans the surface of treated products such as high-touch surfaces in hospitals. Visit http://www.aionx.com

 Chartlytics, LLC, located in State College, has built a science-based, SaaS web platform that provides robust and scalable precision measurement and data visualization that targets the needs of the special education and autism markets. Visit www.chartlytics.com 

ConidioTec LLC, located in State College, has developed a revolutionary, non-toxic, fungal bio-pesticide product for the control and prevention of bed bug infestations. Visit www.Aprehend.com

 Device Events, located in York, synthesizes publically available raw FDA data regarding medical device issues and turns it into a user-friendly, decision support tool that informs and improves upon overall patient safety. Visit www.deviceevents.com

 Eduplanet21, LLC, located in Mechanicsburg, is a software, content, and services company that is committed to transforming professional development for K-12 school districts. The company offers a unique and innovative platform that provides planning, credentialing, and curriculum development tools. www.eduplanet21.com

Ignite Ventures, located in Lititz, created an efficient, low-cost product, FixNow PRO that offers home service contractors a cloud-based service that automates and optimizes scheduling with their customers. Visit www.ignite.tech

Lojic LLC, located in Meadville, provides manufacturers with an analytics platform, or dashboard, that allows for the display of real-time data based on their current ERP systems. The apps are easy to use, powerful, and incorporate easily into current systems. Visit https://lojic.us

Mangrove Jack Marine USA, Inc., located in Mercer, developed an innovative design for a high-quality, portable, light-weight folding boat trailer, originally manufactured and sold in Australia. The company has established a worldwide design, manufacturing, and operations center in PA. Visit www.mangrovejack.com

Mason Jars Makerplace, located in Erie, has created an ecommerce marketplace that allows enthusiasts from around the world to connect while they buy and sell Mason Jar-related items. The site supports the whole culture that surrounds this ever-growing market which consists of supplemental and accessory products. Visit www.masonjars.com

Olympus Advanced Technology LLC, located in Erie, is developing the world’s lowest power, small oscillators to be used in almost every electronic communications device sold. As these devices have become increasingly advanced, the need for a low-cost, low-power, high performance solution has become even more important. Visit www.olympusadvanced.tech

Persea Naturals LLC, located in State College, developed a novel, natural food color additive in the yellow-red spectrum with a high-color yield extracted from avocado seeds. Visit www.avocolor.com

PledgePlatform LLC, located in Harrisburg, is a crowdfunding software platform that allows teams and athletes to raise money for a charity based on their performance. Visit www.pledgeit.org

 Return Logic, located in Carlisle, developed a cloud-based returns management and analytics platform that provides e-commerce retailers the ability to manage and optimize their product return strategy. Visit www.returnlogic.com

Reflexion Interactive Technologies, located in Lancaster, developed a portable system that enables the rapid screening of athletes to detect indications of possible traumatic brain injury. Visit www.reflexioninteractive.com

SAY Plastics, located in McSherrystown, re-engineers metal and FRP parts, providing thermoformed, recyclable plastic designs that deliver cost-savings, sustainability, and quality products to the automotive, rail, bus, and medical equipment segments. Visit www.sayplastics.com

TEAMology LLC, located in Chambersburg, provides teachers with an evidence-based framework that reduces behavioral issues while building character foundations that embrace anti-bullying in K-12 students. Visit www.weareteamology.biz

West Arete located in State College, created “Contributary”, a software platform for community foundations to host “giving day” events. These one or two-day programs create excitement and momentum around charitable giving online. Visit www.westarete.com

Xact Metal, Inc., located in State College, has patent-pending technology that supports the next generation of innovative manufacturing solutions powered by metal 3D printing. Visit www.xactmetal.com

                                         We Inve$t in Innovation

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners:

The largest early-stage investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, (an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) provides funding, operational assistance, and business support services to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania.  Contact Ben Franklin’s office in University Park at (814) 863-4558 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org.