Attendees at the final pitch competition vote live to award this $2500 prize to their chosen finalist.
Got an idea sitting in a notebook, a prototype gathering dust, or a business plan you’ve been afraid to pitch? Ben Franklin’s Big Idea Contest has helped entrepreneurs and innovators across Central and Northern Pennsylvania turn ideas exactly like yours into funded, growing businesses.
This year, we’re putting $50,000 behind the region’s best ideas — plus the mentorship, coaching, and connections it actually takes to build something real. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned innovator, if you’ve got a scalable idea and the drive to chase it, this is your shot.
Applications open Monday, August 17 and close Friday, October 16, 2026.
Take your business idea to the next level with up to $50,000 cash!
A chance to take home an additional $2,500, voted on by the audience!
A guaranteed spot in the TechCelerator business accelerator program.
One-on-one guidance from Ben Franklin portfolio managers and market experts to refine your business model and strengthen your pitch.
We’re looking for scalable, tech-enabled ideas that solve real problems, including:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, inventor, researcher, or startup founder, this is your chance to bring your idea to life.
2023 BIG IDEA CONTEST WINNERS
Scalable business models and ideas are prioritized, spanning a wide range of industries. We’re especially interested in tech-enabled innovations, solutions to real-world challenges, and ideas with a clear path to growth.
We welcome innovators with business ideas to apply. You do not have to have registered your business to apply, but you do need to plan to register to do business in Pennsylvania.
No. We take zero equity and charge no fees.
Not required but recommended.
There are usually 6-8 finalists selected per contest.
We suggest allotting 5-6 hours per week to complete program materials and prepare for the final pitch competition
The contest awards $50,000 total, distributed among the winners. One finalist will also receive an additional $2,500 People’s Choice Award.
Attendees at the final pitch competition vote live to award this $2500 prize to their chosen finalist.
All applications must be received via the application portal which will remain open until October 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. E.S.T
You may apply even if you haven’t yet registered as a business entity.
You may apply with more than one idea; but you must submit a separate application for each idea through the application portal.
Do not include full patent filings, drawing support letters or any other exhibits that you deem proprietary.
You must agree to complete all BIG IDEA Contest program requirements to be considered as a finalist.
Curious about the AgeTech Big Idea Contest and how it can help turn your vision into reality Watch the recording of our informational webinar to learn everything you need to know about the contest, eligibility, and how to apply.
Lightning Rod: Franklin’s experiments with electricity led to his invention of the lightning rod, a device used to protect buildings and ships from lightning strikes. His understanding of electricity and his invention of the lightning rod demonstrated both his scientific acumen and his practical approach to problem-solving.