BFTP/NEP to Invest $992,946 to Support Northeastern PA Economic Development
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors approved a combined investment of $992,946 in support of regional economic development.
BFTP/NEP is an award-winning, state-funded economic development organization that links early-stage technology firms and established companies with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation.
BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, BFTP staff concentrate their efforts on developing early-stage technology-oriented companies, on helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership and on promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.
Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to start 408 new companies, developed 948 new products and processes, created 14,301 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and retained 21,236 existing jobs. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University and operates Ben Franklin TechVentures, an award-winning business incubator/post-incubator facility in Bethlehem.
BFTP/NEP announces the following early-stage company investments:
ClydeTec Systems, Inc., Orefield — $35,000
Complete a prototype of a semiconductor device for an optical coherence tomography system-on-a-chip for high-throughput 3-D biomedical imaging. This device will be used in the imaging of body tissues and in other biophotonic and biomedical applications. Also produce a new company business plan.
Gleason Custom Kitchens, Scranton — $55,000
Implement production and administrative efficiencies at this manufacturer of custom-built and standard cabinetry for residential and commercial applications. This will allow the company to respond to increased sales volume and expand its presence in additional markets.
Icon Legacy Custom Modular Homes, LLC, Selinsgrove — $75,000
Improve production efficiencies, develop new products and update customer service procedures for this manufacturer of custom-designed, high-end modular homes.
Infinity Access, LLC, Hazleton — $75,000
Complete final design and obtain UL approval of a proprietary new gate release device and new vehicle identification wireless access technology. Infinity Access manufactures innovative and proprietary electronic controls, drive devices, and power supply systems for commercial and industrial doors, particularly fire doors, overhead doors, and gates. These next-generation products comply with newly mandated safety code requirements of the Department of Homeland Security.
Pennsylvania Sustainable Technologies, LLC, Bethlehem — $150,000
Partner: Lehigh University
Demonstrate the feasibility of the company’s new integrated fuel synthesis process for the production of alternative fuels; using inedible biomass and other waste materials as feedstock, the process yields long carbon chain biofuels. Increased oil demand from developing economies and limited supplies in consuming regions continue to drive demand for renewable fuels.
Viddler, Inc., Bethlehem — $50,000
Continue commercializing Viddler’s online video distribution and sharing platform, which businesses and social media professionals use to engage their clients and build their brand recognition through online video. Viddler offers the only platform that allows inline text or video commenting, which has been proven to increase the amount and duration of a video’s viewership. The product has been designed to appeal to businesses, resellers and social media professionals.
XiGo Nanotools, Bethlehem — $100,000
Complete beta testing of a newly patented, shoebox-size device called the Acorn Area™ that rapidly measures the surface area of nano-particles. Also finish development of a bioanalytical version of the same device. Nano-particles are minute; they typically have diameters that are 1/1,000th the diameter of a human hair. Measuring nano-particle properties is significant in many industrial applications including energy, electronics, ceramics and pharmaceuticals.
Advanced-Tec Materials Corporation, West Hazleton — $40,000
Finalize product formulation and production equipment requirements for a new insulation and fireproofing material. Advanced-Tec produces industrial materials based on proprietary formulations utilizing recycled coal-combustion fly-ash. These environmentally sound products achieve superior performance compared with competitive materials.
Electrikus Incorporated, Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem — $38,000
Commercialize the company’s initial product, the Illumaguard. The Illumaguard is a patent-pending, technologically innovative and energy-smart battery backup for residential lighting in the event of a power outage. The product is inconspicuous and intelligent in the way it discharges and recharges, and will allow a household lamp to light automatically at the onset of a power outage. It operates for 10 hours on a full charge.
Element ID, Inc., Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem — $50,000
Support the initial sales and ramp-up of a new type of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader for use in the materials handling environment. Unlike competitors’ systems, Element ID’s systems provide better read rates; seamless interaction with other automation equipment; intelligent, multi-reader systems designed to work over conveyors; and readers that are not sensitive to interference and can withstand harsh industrial environments.
eVendor Check, Inc., Hawley — $100,000
Further enhance the current software for the company’s web-based reference checking system for procurement professionals. eVendor Check’s clients reduce risks associated with vendor selection by using proprietary web-based tools and a supporting database, rather than the conventional, less-effective telephone-based method of vendor investigation. The software improvements will allow the company to roll out its services on a broad-scale, high-volume basis.
Future Power of PA, Inc., Moosic — $74,000
University Partner: Wilkes University
Analyze geological formations in the region to determine if they are a viable location for carbon dioxide sequestration. The new 270-megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle power plant being proposed for Good Spring, PA, has the ability to capture its carbon dioxide by-product. This study will assist in sequestration efforts.
BFTP/NEP announces the following established manufacturer company investments:
Amcor PET Packaging, Allentown — $19,800
Partner: Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center
Improve manufacturing efficiencies and improve productivity at this manufacturer of blow- molded and injection-molded containers for the personal care and liquor industries. Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center will work with Amcor to implement document standard production procedures, prepare for additional production through new lines and reduce cycle time and production costs.
Strong Industries, Inc., Northumberland — $40,000
Partner: Lehigh University
Perform a complete systems, processes and data assessment of Strong’s operation to enhance efficiencies at this manufacturer of molded pools and spas. Process improvements and enhancements will be implemented to address the company’s rapid increase in demand for its products.
Dynalene, Inc., Whitehall — $41,146
University Partner: Lehigh University
Develop a new heat-transfer fluid, based on molten salt chemistry, for concentrated solar power plants. Fluids currently used in the solar industry are thermally unstable at temperatures above 390 degrees centigrade, which reduces overall plant efficiency.
Ward Manufacturing, Blossburg — $50,000
University Partner: Pennsylvania State University
Reduce energy costs and environmental impact at this manufacturer of cast iron pipe and fittings by replacing cupola coke with collagen-binded anthracite fines as fuel. Also reduce consumption of sand, clay and coal by implementing a new reclamation system.
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