Pennsylvania is home to a growing senior population, and we’re on a mission to make it the best place in the world to age. We’re looking for creative, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs to share their big ideas in the AgeTech space to improve the lives of seniors.
Whether you’re working on a startup, have a concept in development, or just a spark of an idea, this is your chance to make a difference and bring your vision to life!
Apply by Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Your business must be located in our 32-county region to apply.
2023 BIG IDEA CONTEST WINNERS
Finalists in the AgeTech Big Idea Contest will embark on an incredible journey, working with expert mentors over four weeks to perfect their pitch and take it to the next level. This leads to a live virtual pitch event where a panel of judges will award up to $35,000 in cash prizes and valuable mentorship opportunities from the Ben Franklin team to help bring your idea to life.
But that’s not all—this experience could open doors to ongoing support through Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator program, where your big idea can grow into something truly extraordinary.
Take your business idea to the next level with up to $35,000 cash!
A chance to take home an additional $2,500, voted on by the audience!
An opportunity to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 Seed Grant from Ben Franklin.
A guaranteed spot in the TechCelerator business accelerator program.
Gain expert guidance from the Ben Franklin team to help your business thrive!
We’re on the lookout for scalable AgeTech business models that leverage technology to support the aging population.
Things like:
Mark your calendar with these important milestones from application to the grand finale!
Scalable business models and ideas are prioritized. These can range across many industries. We particularly encourage innovators and startups in the following technologies, to apply.
Innovations that improve quality of life for Pennsylvania’s senior citizens, including but not limited to:
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 $35,000 total, distributed among the winners. Most contests award 1-3 winners. One lucky winner will receive an additional $2500 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 Thursday March 27, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
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? Join our upcoming informational webinar in early 2025 to learn everything you need to know.
How to Succeed in the 2025 $35K AgeTech Big Idea Contest Featuring Special Guest: Keren Etkin, Founder of TheGerontechnologist.com Join us for a 30-minute informational webinar designed to help applicants […]
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.
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The Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP actively seeks the value brought by diversity in entrepreneurship and business. We welcome participation by all in our investments, programs and services, and we strive for inclusiveness of all in interactions with our team, our clients and our prospects. Like our namesake, we embrace the uniqueness of the individual regardless of their background, personal history or path to us
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