WINNERS OF THE 2024
TECHCELERATOR
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA invites innovators, caregivers, technologists, and changemakers to apply for our 8-week AgeTech TechCelerator — a hands-on, mentor-driven accelerator focused on shaping the future of aging through innovation.
This virtual accelerator is designed for early-stage founders with promising business ideas that use technology to improve the lives of aging adults. Whether your concept addresses mobility, health, finance, sustainability, or everyday living, this is your chance to refine your model, test assumptions, and prepare for investors — with a shot at winning $15,000 at our final pitch event.
Over eight intensive weeks, selected participants will receive expert training and individualized support to turn their idea into a viable business. This is more than just a class — it’s a fast-paced startup launch pad tailored to AgeTech innovation.
We’re looking for bold ideas in the AgeTech space — tools and solutions that address the real challenges of aging in America. If your business touches on any of the following, you’re in the right place:
This fully virtual program is designed to fit into your schedule while demanding serious effort and accountability. Expect to dedicate 3.5 hours per week, plus some independent work, over the course of eight weeks.
Program Runs: Tuesdays, July 15 – August 26, 2025
Live Sessions: Tuesdays, 2:00 – 4:30 PM (via Zoom)
1:1 Coaching: Wednesdays or Thursdays (60 min slot; flexible time options)
Pitch Finale: Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 2:00 – 5:00 PM (via Zoom)
Over eight intensive weeks, selected participants will receive expert training and individualized support to turn their idea into a viable business. This is more than just a class — it’s a fast-paced startup launch pad tailored to AgeTech innovation.
Connect with content experts and fellow participants in interactive group sessions.
Receive personalized guidance to address your unique needs and challenges.
You’ll gain access to expert sessions in sales, marketing, finance, aging tech, and more.
You’ll receive tailored market research to help assess your opportunity.
You’ll get support with pro forma and financial modeling.
You’ll learn best practices to create a pitch deck, positioning you for future funding opportunities.
Apply by July 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
TechCelerator is open to local entrepreneurs, grad students, professors, and university researchers.
You must be located in Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton,, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, or York county.
You have not previously received Ben Franklin funding or a cash prize from the BIG IDEA Contest
Classes are once per week for 8 weeks. You will also have a 1-hour one-on-one coaching session per week.
This program is offered at NO COST to entrepreneurs in the following counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, and York.
While cohorts range in size, there are usually 6-8 finalists selected per TechCelerator.
Participation in the TechCelerator will require 5-10 hours per week, so make sure you’re ready to commit.
This is a remote course, utilizing Canvas Learning System and Zoom.
Business Model Overview
Who’s your Customer? What’s your market?
What’s your Value Proposition
Customer Relationships – Get/Keep/Grow
Basic Financials – Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow
Estimating Operating & Startup Costs
Revenue/Pricing/Costs
Funding Options
Basic Legal – Business Structure & Ownership
At the end of the program, participants have the opportunity to pitch their startups before a panel of judges who may award up to $15,000 in funding.
Firefighting Innovations: Franklin was instrumental in improving fire safety in Philadelphia. He organized the Union Fire Company in 1736, one of the first volunteer firefighting companies in America. He also invented a number of firefighting tools and techniques, including the Franklin stove’s design, which helped prevent fires by containing flames more effectively.
200 Innovation Boulevard
Suite 150, State College, PA 16803
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
We encourage those with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please phone our central office at 814-863-4558 in advance of your participation or visit.
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