“These ten new investments in early-stage medical, energy and internet-based companies continue to demonstrate the determination and creativity of the region’s entrepreneurs,” said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

AboutOne
Malvern, Chester County
Approved Investment: $100,000

AboutOne is an online subscription service that provides families and individuals with one convenient place to quickly and easily store, share and retrieve important household information (medical records, receipts, education records, etc.), and family memories (children’s artwork, photos, videos).

This digital filing cabinet saves users time through fast and easy data entry—as well as efficient and intelligent use of the data entered, such as auto-generated family newsletters, scrapbooks, education summaries, home improvement reports for tax reporting and more.  AboutOne is accessible from any location via computer, mobile phone or any other web-enabled device.

AboutOne is led by Joanne Lang, CEO; Beth Siron, COO & Customer Service Manager; Jake Mallory, CTO; and Katrine Kubis, Director of Marketing, PR, and Communications.

Click Equations
Conshohocken, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $50,000
Previous BFTP/SEP investment: $297,830

Click Equations has created software to help businesses manage and improve their paid search advertising campaigns—when businesses pay a search engine to have their websites show near the top on its result pages when users type certain keywords.

Designed for large advertisers and agencies, ClickEquations has a unique three-prong system of management, bidding and reporting to save users time and money.

The company’s extensive reporting includes information on what searchers typed when they found the business’ listing, how much profit the business is making on each keyword and recommendations on improving results and maximizing profit.

ClickEquations is run by Craig Danuloff, Founder & President; and Lucinda Holt, CEO.

Essential Medical
Wayne, Delaware County
Approved Investment: $250,000

Essential Medical is developing innovative products for use in cardiac catheterizations in leg arteries.

The company is led by Greg Walters, President and CEO.

Green Power Technologies
King of Prussia, Montgomery County
Approved Investment: $500,000
Previous BFTP/SEP investment:$250,000

Green Power Technologies is commercializing its first generation Wi-Fi enabled smart plug that will allow customers to shut off appliances and other electronic devices at the power source.  The technology will eliminate the energy wasted by devices that are turned off but still plugged in.  Power to outlets can be easily controlled remotely either individually or in groups with Wi-Fi compatible devices such as computers and smart phones.

The company is led by Gregory Puschnigg, Founding Chairman and CEO; and Robert Fiori, Co-Founder and President.

Kerathin
Swarthmore, Delaware County
Approved Investment: $150,000

Kerathin is a medical and home health device company focused on tools for the care of foot disorders, particularly in the diabetic population.  Kerathin’s initial product, PodiaPro, is a major improvement for toenails disorders.  PodiaPro is safer and easier to use than current nail grinders or drills. PodiaPro is in clinical validation at leading centers associated with podiatric medical schools.

Kerathin is led by Founder and Executive Chairman Tom Fitzsimons.

Leversense
Newtown Square, Chester County
Approved Investment:  $300,000
Previous BFTP/SEP investment:

Leversense is commercializing an innovative new method for in vitro diagnostics technology.  The technology, licensed from Drexel University, is a solid-state electromechanical sensor technology used to detect protein, nucleic acid and pathogen disease indicators.

The product will bring to market unprecedented femtogram sensitivity directly in complex, unpurified samples such as whole blood and serum.

The company is led by Pete Nagy, Co-Founder and CEO; and Dr. Paul Horan, Ph.D., Vice-President of Business Development.

QLIDA Diagnostics
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
Approved Investment:  $250,000

QLIDA develops next-generation biomarker diagnostic tests. The company’s proprietary platform can be used for diagnosis of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease through the use of a nanotechnology-based protein detection.

QLIDA has been collaborating with Drexel University to develop its proprietary test, Quantum-dot Linked Immuno-Detection Assay (QLIDA), to create a quantitative biomarker detection platform, enabling early detection of proteins associated with disease.   The company is currently developing an ultrasensitive test for cardiovascular disease to be used in point of care testing.

QLIDA is led by Michael Boyce-Jacino, Ph.D., CEO, previously founding CEO of BioNanomatrix, Inc; and Elizabeth S. Papazoglou., PhD, CSO.

Spectrum Devices Corporation
Hatfield, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $85,000
Previous BFTP/SEP investment: $195,000

Spectrum Devices designs, manufactures and commercializes high power transistors for RF and Microwave communication applications; including Bipolar and VDMOS transistors for RF and microwave power applications.

Spectrum also develops products to bring obsolete or discontinued transistor products up to date, giving them greater life and better performance.

Their latest product developments have greater life and better performance than the original products due to Spectrum’s novel designs.

The company is led by Dr. Jere Hohmann, CEO and President; Ben Caccavale, Vice President of Engineering; and Robert Blake, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

vcopious
Conshohocken, Montgomery County
Approved Investment: $250,000

With its virtual environment software platform, vcopious enables companies to connect with their global communities to build brands, increase lead generation and engage target audiences.  By capturing user metrics in real time, the company’s software enables clients to gain actionable insights for applications ranging from product launches to employee training.

Clients can also seamlessly connect relevant internal assets, such as E-commerce, social media applications and customer records.  vcopious’ product is currently a leading cost-reduction and revenue enhancement product for multinational organizations across all industries.

The company is led by CEO Ken Hayward, President Ron Giannone, and CTO Harpreet Chatha.

Versify Solutions
Chadds Ford, Delaware County
Approved investment: $150,000
Previous BFTP/SEP investment: $450,000

A software and services company, Versify Solutions offers power industry companies products that help reduce operational costs while improving communications, reporting, operational efficiencies and profits.  Its products – V-Renew®, V-Trader® and V-Performance® – do so by providing company leaders with robust data, analysis and reporting tools.

The key to Versify’s technology is collecting, processing and managing vast amounts of data from a variety of sources; including regional power pools, energy traded pricing, transmission capacity, current weather information, etc.  Its software can quickly and accurately compile management reports, trading recommendations and more.

The company is led by President and CEO Pete Cona, Vice President of Operations Dave Kucharczuk, and Vice President of Development Dave Ippolito.

The investments are with one early-stage technology company, two established manufacturers, and one infrastructure project.

Piratecom LLC
Reading, Berks County
Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000

Complete product enhancements and implement a strategic plan to expand sales of Piratecom’s noise-reducing communication devices. Piratecom produces novel wired and wireless intercom systems and accessories for use in noisy environments in which accurate communication is essential. Beginning with the marine industry, the company will later expand into other market sectors.

Bazzini Holdings
Allentown, Lehigh County
University Partner: Lehigh University
Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000

Complete an Enterprise Resource Planning implementation that supports the consolidation of Bazzini’s operations to a single facility in the Lehigh Valley. This producer of nuts, fruits, and confections will garner significant savings through the consolidation, which will allow it to compete more effectively and support the company’s anticipated growth.

Demco Automation
Quakertown, Bucks County
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center
Ben Franklin Investment: $30,000

Select and implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning System for this developer and manufacturer of custom automation equipment and controls. Demco’s patented modular and reconfigurable automation platforms are used for assembling, testing, inspecting, and packaging small parts. The new system will enable Demco to double its sales by 2014.

Pennsylvania Angel Network
Ben Franklin Investment: $5,000

Support the Pennsylvania Angel Network’s (PAN) efforts to provide resources and support to the Pennsylvania angel community, foster the growth of existing angel investor groups, and promote the formation of new angel investor groups. PAN’s goal is improve the overall environment for investors, increase the number of investors, and increase investment dollars in Pennsylvania for high-growth early-stage companies.

Six new companies have been added to the portfolio with first-time investments, five new companies completed the AlphaLab program of investment and business assistance, and nine portfolio companies received follow-on investment from Innovation Works. IW also awarded an additional Innovation Adoption Grant to a small manufacturer for the second phase of development of their energy-saving product.

First-time Portfolio Company Investments

All Facilities Energy Group
Wilkinsburg
BFTP Investment: $200,000

AllFacilities Energy Group (AFEG) provides energy audits, regulatory reporting and vendor contracting to large, medium and small building owners and managers.

American Roadprinting
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $100,000

American Roadprinting has developed a robotic solution to enable a new form of outdoor advertising. The product, Chalkjet, accepts personalized and advertising messages over the web and prints the messages on roadways/surfaces using proprietary inks.

Appalachian Lighting Systems
Ellwood City
BFTP Investment: $300,000

Appalachian Lighting Systems, Inc. (ALSI) specializes in developing and manufacturing high-powered, ultra energy-efficient, light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixtures. Their products include: next generation streetlights; warehouse lighting, sign illumination; parking lot, parking and garage lighting; tunnel lighting; indoor office lighting; and other specialty lighting systems.

Deeplocal
Pittsburgh/East Liberty
BFTP Investment: $170,000

Deeplocal provides an advertising platform that links the digital and physical worlds. This platform has powered location-aware campaigns for international events such as the World Cup and the Tour de France.

Intimate Bridge 2 Conception
Delmont
BFTP Investment: $200,000

Intimate Bridge 2 Conception, Inc. is an early-stage medical device company focused on reproductive health to aid in natural fertility and conception in the privacy of the patient’s home.

Medallion Analytics Software Corporation
Crafton
BFTP Investment: $200,000

Medallion Analytics is a software as a services platform that digitizes the mortgage lending process from application to closing by collecting all data in the process and connecting all players in the mortgage ecosystem.

Songwhale
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $100,000

Songwhale is the leading Mobile Solutions Provider, supplying its partners with emerging technology and services that facilitate sponsorship, advertising, distribution and monetization of digital content to mobile devices.

Reinvestment in Existing Portfolio Companies

Accipiter Systems
Pine
BFTP Re-Investment: $300,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date:: $600,000

Accipiter Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of innovative data networking solutions. The company offers data networking products that deliver higher value to the customer through the use of disruptive technologies. Accipiter Systems is providing differentiating data networking expertise to government agencies, DoD contractors and commercial companies.

ATRP Solutions
Pittsburgh
BFTP Re-Investment: $65,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $265,000

ATRP Solutions, Inc. is an innovative materials science company that produces specialty polymers for tomorrow’s commercial products. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technology is a rapidly emerging platform technology for preparation of next generation plastics. As the world leader in atom transfer radical polymerization technology our mission is to enable businesses in personal care & cosmetics, detergents & surfactants, paints, pigments & coatings and biocompatible materials to capitalize  on this technology by providing the highest quality ATRP-based polymers.

BIOSAFE
Pittsburgh
BFTP Re-Investment: $100,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $600,000

BIOSAFE’s technology provides products with microbiological protection. Through a patented and EPA registered antimicrobial technology, products that include BIOSAFE are permanently protected bacteria, mold and mildew, algae, and even certain viruses. BIOSAFE works in close partnership with personnel from design and development and end-user marketing to insure simple integration and communication of strong product advantage.

Compliance Assurance Corporation
Pittsburgh
BFTP Re-Investment: $100,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $300,000

Compliance Assurance Corporation provides Governance Risk & Compliance (GRC) solutions to the insurance market place. Utilizing our solutions companies mitigate the risks associated with the doing business in the highly regulated insurance industry.  Comply On-Demand Enterprise, is a software-as-service platform that provides insurer’s with a more effective, less costly means of maintaining and demonstrating regulatory compliance.

Epiphany Solar Water Systems
New Castle
BFTP Re-Investment: $100,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $300,000

Epiphany Solar Water Systems is a product development company specializing in concentrated solar energy technologies. Epiphany’s solar powered, high efficiency, water desalination and purification system uses concentrated solar energy, rather than fossil fuels to purify water from nearly any source. Due to its simple, elegant design, Epiphany’s system is inexpensive to build, easy to maintain, and extremely reliable, making it an ideal solution for the growing water crisis in developing and developed nations alike.

FASTTAC
Wexford
BFTP Re-Investment: $50,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $500,000

FASTTAC, in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University, is the developer of the FAST Document Control and Mobility Systems (DCMS) which provides a cutting edge software solution for construction drawing and document sharing, annotation and communication.  FAST DCMS synchronizes information among the project’s team to support capturing, managing, and sharing information, emails and faxes; ultimately improving productivity, cutting costs and reducing document confusion and its intrinsic related risk.  FAST DCMS is currently being used by contractors and building teams on projects from coast to coast in the United States.

Health Monitoring System
Pittsburgh
BFTP Re-Investment: $100,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $300,000

Health Monitoring Systems is a pioneer in community health surveillance. The company maintains online networks to collect data from hospitals and other healthcare providers, and then offers analytics of the aggregated information to detect, pinpoint and understand real-time and emerging health and safety issues. Clients include public health authorities, hospitals and others in the healthcare industry.

Industry Weapon
Dormont
BFTP Re-Investment: $37,500
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $237,500

Industry Weapon has developed a novel digital signage software application.  This application provides users with an inexpensive and easy-to-use interface to design, schedule, and deploy digital signage.  Industry Weapon provides the software tools necessary for non-technical personnel to quickly and creatively communicate with their target audience through information displayed on electronic displays placed in public and private areas and utilized to entertain, inform or advise a target audience.

NeuroInterventions
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $100,000
Total BFTP investment committed to date: $200,000

NeuroInterventional Therapeutics, Inc. designs and manufactures advanced catheter systems used to find, trap, and extract blood clots in a wide range of cerebral vessels, thus increasing chances of survival and minimizing disability.

AlphaLab Companies (Fifth Cycle)

Careerimp
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $25,000

Careerimp offers career guidance technology, software-as-a service that selects the most relevant aspects of your resume and generates a custom tailored resume for a job in less than 15 seconds.

Cubespan (known as OfferMint)
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $25,000

Offermint’s self-serve platform allows businesses to create, publish and monetize group buying online offers, interactive coupons and contests.

Devotee
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $25,000

Devotee provides retail businesses with a mobile loyalty program beyond traditional loyalty cards, turning customers into evangelists through social media.

Levlr
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $25,000

Levlr is a platform that enables rapid development of location-aware and other game mechanics into new and existing web, mobile and desktop applications.

NoWait
Pittsburgh
BFTP Investment: $25,000

NoWait is a web and mobile application that allows casual restaurants to send text messages to minimize wait time.

Innovation Adoption Grant

Cannon Boiler Works
New Kensinton
BFTP Investment (Phase II): $50,000

Cannon Boiler Works designs and manufactures energy-recovery equipment for industrial boilers. These units sit on top of or near a boiler, collect the waste heat of the boiler and use that heat to radiate hot water back through the boiler system.  Cannon Boiler Works’ equipment saves companies up to 10% from their steam generation fuel bill, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.

“This latest round of company investments highlights energy efficiency, medical and information technology innovations,” said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Today, more than ever, our state and national agendas need to focus on the entrepreneur as the agent of change and key to economic growth,” she added.

Essential Medical
Wayne
BFTP Investment: $250,000

Essential Medical is developing a vascular closure device that will seal the opening created from cardiac catheterizations in leg arteries. The company is led by Greg A. Walters, President and CEO.

Green Badge Holdings
King of Prussia
BFTP Investment: $500,000

Green Badge Holdings manufactures a wireless soil sensor system that measures root-zone soil conditions in real time, thus allowing for optimal irrigation and fertilization, eliminating the unnecessary usage of water, fertilizer and energy. This cost-saving and environmentally beneficial technology can be used for everything from golf courses to residential landscaping. The estimated annual world-wide market for this technology is $15 billion. The company is led by Robert Burch, Chairman & CEO; Walter Norley, Founder and President; Paul Pressler, Vice-Chairman; Joseph Cahill, CFO; and Don Apruzzese, President of ProHome.

Green Power Technologies
King of Prussia
BFTP Investment: $250,000

Green Power Technologies is currently developing a smart plug, smart strip and power cord that will automatically or remotely turn off selected electronic devices. This technology is valuable for many products, including those that continue to use power even when turned off. The products will use Wi-Fi for remote operation. The company is led by Gregory Puschnigg, Founding Chairman and CEO; and Robert Fiori, Co-Founder and President.

Leversense
Newtown Square
BFTP Investment: $300,000
Previous BFTP Investment: $200,000

Leversense is developing the next generation diagnostic biosensor technology that is extremely sensitive directly in blood, urine, or milk. The company is led by Pete Nagy, Co-Founder and CEO; and Dr. Paul Horan, Ph.D., Vice-President of Business Development.

Neat Company
Philadelphia
BFTP Investment: $60,000
Previous BFTP Investment: $687,500

Neat Company, founded in 2002, is a leader in organization technology for paper and electronic information, including receipts and invoices. Neat’s scanner solution is #1 in retail due to its unique and innovative hardware and software developments, from state-of-the-art imaging techniques to sensible and clear organizational methods. Neat Company is led by Jim Foster, CEO; Tonya Zweier, CFO; Kevin Garton, Chief Marketing Officer; Mike Crincoli, Vice President of Sales; and Harris Romanoff, Executive Vice President for Engineering.

QLIDA Diagnostics
Philadelphia
BFTP Investment: $250,000

QLIDA Diagnostics develops inexpensive and effective in vitro diagnostic tests to detect life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. QLIDA’s technology was developed at Drexel University. The company has used its innovative diagnostic platform, Quantum-dot Linked Immuno-Detection Assay (QLIDA), to develop diagnostic tools that have proven experimentally successful in human and animal samples. QLIDA Diagnostics is led by Michael Boyce-Jacino, Ph.D., CEO; and Elizabeth S. Papazoglou., PhD.

Viridity Energy
Conshohocken
BFTP Investment: $350,000

Viridity Energy provides innovative energy optimization solutions that help customers buy, use and sell energy in an economically optimal manner. The company’s success is driven by a platform that combines energy prices, weather, and other factors to manage a customer’s energy needs. Amongst other projects, Viridity received a $900,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to implement technology that captures waste energy produced by the braking systems of the trains in SEPTA’s fleet. The company is led by Audrey Zibelman, President and CEO; Alain P. Steven, Executive Vice-President and CTO; Bruce A. Sher, Senior Vice-President, Business Development; Ken Laughlin, Senior Vice-President, Operations; Allen Freifeld, Senior Vice-President, External Affairs; and Larry Waddell, Director of Finance.

VITA Products
Philadelphia
BFTP Investment: $125,000

VITA Products is developing and commercializing the VITAband, a bracelet that provides both medical ID information and a prepaid payment solution. The technology is also being integrated into numerous other product types. Each of the products provide medical professionals with your identification, relevant medical history and emergency contacts to help ensure you get the care you need in the event of an emergency. Simultaneously, the Contactless Payment functionality allows users to simply wave a VITA product at the point of sale to make purchases at thousands of retailers. VITA Products is led by co-founders Jason Brown and David Waxman.

WizeHive
Bryn Mawr
BFTP Investment: $250,000
Previous BFTP Investment: $150,000

WizeHive, managed by PivotPoint Software, LLC, provides online private workspaces to share files, manage projects, track activity and collaborate with others. It allows organizations to communicate to and from a variety of sources, and facilitates specialized communications needs, such as contests that use public input to determine a winner, and grant applications that require review. WizeHive is led by Michael Levinson, Founder and CEO; Alan Carson, Founder and CTO; and Jeff Thomas, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing.

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments.

Advanced-Tec Materials, LLC
West Hazleton
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To conduct materials testing to optimize the characteristics of formulations and finalize production equipment requirements. Advanced-Tec produces environmentally sound industrial materials, including insulation and fireproofing materials, using proprietary formulations of recycled coal-combustion fly-ash. These materials exhibit fire- and heat-resistant characteristics that create extremely versatile composites that require no heat curing.

Blue Spark Interactive
Kingston
BFTP Investment: $35,000

To appoint a business consultant to further develop Blue Spark’s strategic plan for vertical market penetration and engage an intellectual property firm to enhance the company’s patent position. Blue Spark has launched “Mom’s Messenger,” a two-way, real-time communications platform that will change the way business professionals communicate. The company’s proprietary technology offers “next-generation” communication to various vertical markets.

CEWA Technologies
Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $146,000

To complete design, construct, and test a prototype of a new kind of point-concentrated solar power dish that will deliver power at a lower cost due its novel design and the materials used in its construction. The dish, called a toroid solar collector, will be fabricated, assembled, and then tested at Northampton Community College’s Bethlehem campus. The dish is capable of providing thermal power for HVAC, power generation, desalination, and process heat applications at a cost comparable to fossil fuel-based sources of energy.

Discovery Machine
Williamsport
BFTP Investment: $75,000

To develop collateral materials, in the form of text and demonstrations, for entering new markets, attracting partners, and promoting software sales. Discovery Machine (DMI) developed a suite of novel, patented software tools that enable companies to capture, manage, automate, optimize, embed, and network the knowledge found in the experience of their key employees. Companies’ needs to retain the expertise of staff will grow as the “baby boomer” generation continues to move into retirement, taking their institutional knowledge with them. In addition, DMI’s technology helps protect a company’s human capital in the event that it experiences a merger or acquisition, and/or staff recruiting by competition.

EBL International
Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To accomplish key system development tasks and secure important operational partnerships to support EBL’s efforts to deploy its product in China. EBL International is pioneering an innovative employment-based lending model for providing credit cards to working-class people in countries where credit rating systems do not exist. EBL’s custom application will be developed to efficiently facilitate the interactions among employers, workers, banks, and merchants to provide a new approach to employment-based lending.

EthosGen
Dallas
BFTP Investment: $125,000

To develop and beta test on-site renewable biomass-based energy production systems. The systems use new Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) greenhouses to grow high-energy- value crops. These highly efficient, non-edible grasses are harvested and converted into fuels to produce electricity on-site. Current competitive open-field biomass systems cannot be located where the energy is needed, nor can they produce a continuous supply of fuels.

eVendor Check
Hawley
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To further enhance the current software for the company’s web-based customer feedback system for procurement professionals. eVendor Check’s clients reduce risks associated with vendor selection by using patent-pending survey tools and a supporting database, rather than the conventional, less-effective telephone-based method of vendor investigation. eVendor Check will develop automated product features, establish on-line tutorials, and mobile applications to enhance the user experience and increase sales.

Geostellar
Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $150,000

To complete a software platform that computes the precise renewable resource potential over vast landscapes, providing location-specific energy intelligence. Geostellar is testing and commercializing a geomatics processing software platform. This platform applies mathematical models to data pertaining to the earth’s atmosphere and surface. The software identifies the best utility-, commercial- and residential-scale solar power sites for particular configurations based upon the resources, land use, transmission, and other factors. Additional software models are under development for natural gas, kinetic hydro-power, advanced biofuel feedstocks, and wind power location analysis.

Gleason Custom Kitchens
Moosic
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To implement operational efficiencies and market development activities 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.

HealthOneMed
Allentown
BFTP Investment: $50,000

To complete an integrated marketing plan and action plan to commercialize HealthOneMed’s first product. HeathOneMed produces the Dispense-a-Pill (DAP), a patented device that dispenses prescription and non-prescription pills according to a programmed schedule. The DAP combines the features of disparate medication devices including pill boxes, dispensers, and medication alert devices into an integrated intelligent medication management system. Features include audible notification to the individual that it is time to take pills, automatic pill dispensing, and telephone notification to family members and/or caregivers when pills are not taken. HealthOneMed’s DAP addresses the growing issue of accidental medication non-compliance.

Hydro4GE
Scranton
BFTP Investment: $35,000

To complete product beta testing, licensing documentation, and branding necessary for full release of Hydro4GE’s new Online-Development-Environment (ODE) software tool. This platform allows programmers to generate and support whole database systems from high-level specifications. Traditional software construction practices are often repetitive and labor intensive, and thus prone to error. Hydro4GE’s software delivers substantial programmer productivity gains, rapid application prototyping, and dramatic ongoing support efficiencies. This significantly reduces programming time and increases the accuracy in attaining the desired software program functionality.

Makefield Therapeutics
Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $50,000

To continue pre-clinical testing toward commercializing Makefield’s innovative, proprietary, nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms. The company has begun two development efforts in applications that offer extensive market opportunities, with the potential to generate a pipeline of additional medications. The first program is in anti-infectives, therapeutics in which drug resistance is a critical and growing problem in both community and hospital settings. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be severe, rapidly spreading, and life-threatening, and currently represent a significant burden to worldwide healthcare systems.

rVibe
Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To continue commercialization of video conferencing services for sales training and other business instruction. rVibe’s software platform provides multi-point, high-definition, live-streaming video conferencing. Through its proprietary, highly interactive services, client companies significantly reduce training costs while retaining the effectiveness of communications.

Snake Creek Lasers
Hallstead
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To experimentally verify a new opto-thermal laser-resonator theory and advance current laser designs to improve output-power tunability and reproducibility over large ranges. Snake Creek Lasers is a premier supplier of miniaturized lasers, laser modules, and high-power cryogenic lasers for defense and commercial applications. This investment will also help the company to identify secondary sources for critical components.

SolarPA
New Tripoli
BFTP Investment: $50,000

To complete proof-of-concept research for a new, proprietary coating that enhances photovoltaic effects and improves the efficiency of solar cells. SolarPA’s single-layer anti-reflection coating improves optical absorption, thermal transport and emission, light concentration, manipulation, emissivity, reflectivity, and scattering, thereby maximizing the solar energy available for conversion into electricity. This results in increases in solar module efficiency up to 10% and reduced manufacturing costs by up to 10% as compared with current silicon-based technology. The reduced manufacturing costs translate to reduced prices to the consumer, thereby enabling broader market adoption of solar energy.

SuccessTSM
Tobyhanna
BFTP Investment: $50,000

To create a graphical user interface for the company’s product that addresses Disaster Recovery Management (DRM) in a cost-effective and affordable manner. SuccessTSM has created a platform that works with IBM’s widely used Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) system to make the DRM process easier, faster, and more reliable through an easy-to-navigate graphical user interface. The product addresses long-identified compatibility issues with the TSM product. The interface will be developed through a series of beta tests, leading to a final product and launch.

Taylored Building Solutions
Taylor
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To develop a distribution channel strategy for marketing construction components to the site-built industry in residential housing. Taylored Building Solutions (TBS) custom manufactures housing components for builders in whatever configuration or degree of completeness they require. TBS will also continue with its previous focus, supplying modular home builders with complete homes, and expand their target market to the site-built industry.

XiGo Nanotools
Bethlehem
BFTP Investment: $100,000

To train partners in high-growth markets in the Asia/Pacific region in the use and marketing of the Acorn Area™ product to enhance sales. Also identify additional distribution partners in the region and introduce products to the Asian technical community at leading conferences. XiGo manufactures the Acorn Area, a patented, shoebox-size device that rapidly measures the wetted surface area of nano-particles using magnetic resonance. Nano-particles are minute; they typically have diameters that are 1/1,000^th the diameter of a human hair. Measuring the wetted surface area of nano-particle directly relates to product performance in many industrial applications including energy, electronics, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Nanoparticle properties are key predictors of material performance, and currently there are no efficient methods to measure wetted nano-particle surface area.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments.

Crispin Valve
Berwick
BFTP Investment: $11,600

To determine fluid-flow characteristics for all valve sizes up to a 96” diameter. Crispin Valve manufactures butterfly valves for the municipal water industry, and has designed a new product line which will allow the company to expand its market.  Actual flow data will be collected under a series of flow conditions and positions in a flow test facility, allowing for extrapolation to other values based on results.

East Penn Manufacturing Company
Lyon Station
BFTP Investment: $25,000
College Partner: The Emerging Technologies Application Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College

To develop process-optimization strategies in support of the company’s new advanced battery products. East Penn Manufacturing, the largest manufacturing employer in Berks County, produces thousands of different sizes and types of lead-acid batteries, battery accessories, and wire and cable products for a variety of applications. East Penn seeks to reduce the product drying time while minimizing substrate heat in order to maximize product through-put.

Electro Chemical & Manufacturing Company
Emmaus
BFTP Investment: $15,000
University Partner: Lehigh University

To develop an adhesive that will allow lined vessels used in production to be implemented in applications requiring a greater range of temperature and pressure conditions than the company’s current product line. Electro Chemical Engineering & Manufacturing Company produces thermoplastic- and fluoropolymer-lined steel vessels used to manufacture, distribute, and store corrosive chemicals.  The company will work with the Lehigh team to characterize the properties of existing adhesives against the required criteria of the new applications. Once the new adhesive is optimized and tested, the company will transfer the new adhesive to production.

Keystone Potato Products
Hegins
BFTP Investment: $12,500
College Partner: The Emerging Technologies Application Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College

To conduct a feasibility study to establish the technical and economic viability of a wind energy plant at the Keystone manufacturing site. Keystone produces dehydrated potato flakes and dehydrated potato flour, as well as fresh cut potatoes. The firm currently fuels the plant’s extensive thermal requirements using nearby landfilled gas.

Kraft Foods
Allentown
BFTP Investment: $50,000
University Partner: Lehigh University Enterprise Systems Center

To conduct a baseline sustainability assessment at Kraft’s Lehigh Valley facility to identify opportunities for the implementation of alternative energy sources and greatly improved energy efficiencies for process improvement. Kraft Lehigh Valley produces snacks, confections, and quick meals. It has a strong reputation in the Kraft network for innovation as a facility that develops and implements a pipeline of new approaches.

L&H Sign Company
Reading
BFTP Investment: $11,800
College Partner: The Emerging Technologies Application Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College

To assess the technical and economic feasibility of a proposed rooftop photovoltaic array to address the energy needs of this producer of commercial signage and merchandising systems. Also evaluate an existing coating, drying, and curing operation to identify additional energy-saving measures while increasing product throughput.

Noble Biomaterials
Scranton
BFTP Investment: $13,650
College Partner: The Emerging Technologies Application Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College

To conduct a mine pool geothermal feasibility study at the company’s facility site in Lackawanna County. Geothermal processes may be utilized to control the temperature of water used in production and to provide environmental humidity and temperature control in critical areas of the plant. A global leader in bacterial management solutions, Noble Biomaterials develops, manufactures, sells, and markets advanced antimicrobial technologies designed to manage all forms of bacterial contamination for medical, defense, industrial, and consumer markets. Noble’s core technology, X-STATIC®, is a proprietary silver-based antimicrobial solution used for mission-critical applications including advanced wound care, infection control, and odor elimination. Noble has more than 200 licensees, including Johnson & Johnson, NASA, 3M, US Special Operations Command, adidas, and others.

Strong Industries
Northumberland
BFTP Investment: $49,891
University Partner: Lehigh University Enterprise Systems Center

To identify and implement operational improvement opportunities that developed during the company’s recent business transformation and growth. Strong Industries was originally a molder of various consumer goods, including a line of pet products. Since then, Strong has grown significantly and has transformed the company to focus on the pool and spa market. The Lehigh team will generate specific recommendations to improve both the production operation and business processes.

Ward Manufacturing
Blossburg
BFTP Investment: $50,000
University Partner: The Pennsylvania State University

To design, build, install, and implement a demonstration-scale core making machine at Penn State, and a full-scale version at Ward Manufacturing Company. Ward produces malleable and cast iron fittings. The demonstration machine at Penn State will be designed to process low-volatile organic compound (VOC) binders as those binders are optimized. The equipment at Ward will immediately facilitate a 29% reduction in the energy needed to make cores using conventional binders. Energy savings will grow as the low-VOC binders are fully adapted for use by Ward.

Mission Critical Partners

Approved investment: $200,000
To further provide innovative, strategic design services for “mission critical” public safety answering points such as 911 systems.

Avia, Inc.

Approved investment: $250,000
To further develop an operating platform for consumer electronic devices enabling the integration and delivery of new applications.

Envinity, Inc.

Approved investment: $75,000
To continue providing custom designed solutions that enable the use of the most innovative renewable energy products on the market.

SilcoTek Corporation

Approved investment: $250,000
To provide superior coating technology that improves the properties of materials that tend to foul or corrode.

AllPure Technologies, Inc.

Approved investment: $150,000
To develop and commercialize aseptic sampling systems for use in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products.

In-Shore Technologies

Approved investment: $75,000
To continue offering full-service IT management such as shared capacity delivery, breach notification management, and the latest in instructional design and implementation.

GreenTek Building Solutions

Approved investment: $190,000
For the further development of patent-pending “green” wall systems and insulated ceilings, flooring and attic insulation.

Apeliotus Vision

Approved investment: $200,000
To obtain final FDA clearance of their diagnostic tool for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration and increase market awareness.

Energy Wall

Approved investment: $125,000
To manufacture high efficiency air-to-air energy recovery exchangers with no moving parts, low maintenance, and inexpensive labor and shipping costs.

Alcoil

Approved investment: $250,000
To manufacture brazed- heat, aluminum exchangers for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry.

Clarion Research Group

Approved investment: $160,000
To distribute a patent-pending platform technology that induces bone formation in dental and orthopedic procedures.

CE Convergence

Approved investment: $100,000
To develop an automated method for licensed professionals to maintain their accreditations and continuing education requirements.

Ernst Biomass

Approved investment: $225,000
To further the construction and operation of a biomass densification facility dedicated to the production of switchgrass solid biomass fuel.

Advanced Mobile Solutions

Wayne, Delaware County
Approved investment: $125,000 (BFTP previously invested $125,000)

Founded in 2006, Advanced Mobile Solutions (AMS) creates applications that allow consumers to receive information on rental listings, cars for sale, and more via their mobile and smart phones.
One of the most popular applications, Cars2Go provides auto dealers, dealer groups and OEMs with a powerful suite of text message and mobile web tools designed to engage consumers and help dealers sell more vehicles. Also, the Homes2Go application delivers robust, intuitive search of resale homes listings on virtually every type of mobile browser. AMS is looking to develop new mobile device applications, and expand its number of employees.

The company is led by Bret Dunlap, CEO; Eric Deininger, COO; and Paul Hehn, CFO. Bret Dunlap previously co-founded Advanced Telecom Services, Inc. (ATS), a successful interactive voice response company specializing in 800 and 900 services. ATS sales peaked a $61 million in 2001.

Click Equations, Inc.

Conshohocken, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $50,000 (BFTP previously invested $250,000)

ClickEquations creates software to help businesses manage and improve their paid search advertising campaigns—when a business pays a search engine to have its Web site show near the top on its result pages when users type certain keywords.

Designed for large advertisers and agencies, ClickEquations has a unique three-prong system of managing, bidding and reporting to save users time and money. The company’s extensive reporting includes information on what searchers typed when they found the business’ listing, how much profit the business is making on each keyword, and recommendations on improving results and maximizing profit.

ClickEquations is run by Lucinda Holt, CEO, and Craig Danuloff, Founder & President. Craig Danuloff was previously President and COO of eColony, an early stage venture fund formed by Internet Capital Group. Lucinda Holt has led and/or been a Board member of a number of successful companies, including several supported by Ben Franklin. One of those companies, TurnTide, an anti-spam technology company, was acquired by Symantec for $28 million.

Document Depository Corporation

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
Approved investment: $100,000

The founders of Document Depository Corporation (DDC) created its web-based applications to help companies more safely and easily handle their financial and legal documents and share them with Board members and investors. The technology reduces the need for insecure email folders and paper-based systems, and gives users full disaster recovery protection. They also have a product that allows investors to see documents of multiple companies in one portal to simplify portfolio tracking.

Currently, DDC is launching two products—Contract Tracker, which stores contracts that were signed across multiple locations in a single location without fear of misplacement, missed renewal dates or missed conversion dates; and Virtual Data Room, which enables users to securely manage and share documents with strict control over other users’ actions, restricting the flow of information.

DDC is led by Farid Naib, Founder & CEO; Cristina Martin Greysman, Director of Business Development; and Rebecca Holloway, Director of Marketing.

First Flavor, Inc.

Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $100,000 (BFTP previously invested $250,000)

Inspired by the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, First Flavor’s premier product, Peel ‘n Taste, uses an edible film technology (similar to breath-freshening strips) to deliver tastes to consumers.
Due to Peel ‘n Taste’s success as an easy, safe and fun marketing tool, First Flavor will help companies avoid the hassles and expense of product sampling events and other promotional campaigns.

The company is led by Jay Minkoff, President & CEO; and Bruce Coonan, Vice President of Sales. Jay Minkoff previously founded the successful Home Marketing Solutions, which co-created the HomeBuilder.com national new home listing site.

Molecular Detection, Inc.

Wayne, Delaware County
Approved investment: $250,000 (BFTP previously invested $500,000)

Molecular Detection Inc. (MDI) is a molecular diagnostics company that develops and markets innovative products to provide accurate, rapid and cost-effective detection of infectious diseases.

MDI’s first product is Detect-Ready ™ MRSA, a screening test that can detect MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus infections that are resistant to most antibiotics) in less than three hours. MRSA is a growing problem worldwide, causing potentially lethal infections and increasing healthcare costs. It is a particular problem for hospitals and proactive MRSA screening programs are increasingly being implemented to prevent its spread. Detect-Ready™ MRSA has been successfully launched in six countries in Europe and approval for marketing in the U.S. is expected in 2011.

MDI is led by Todd Wallach, Chairman and CEO, and Aryeh Gassel, Ph.D., Founder and President. Previously Todd Wallach was Chief Financial Officer at Aton Pharma, where his team increased the company’s worldwide product sales from $10 million to $40 million. He also was a member of the founding management team at Acuity Pharmaceuticals, a Philadelphia-based ophthalmic company that was acquired by OPKO Health.

Real Time Tomography, LLC

Villanova, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $275,000 (BFTP previously invested $150,000)

Real Time Tomography develops state-of-the-art image processing and image reconstruction solutions for the next generation of 2D and 3D medical imaging systems. Real Time’s software imaging products are cost-effective and provide efficient solutions for manufacturers of medical imaging systems. These solutions can easily be adapted to optimize new and existing systems, accelerating manufacturers’ products time to market.

Real Time is led by Susan Ng, President and CEO, and Peter Ringer, CTO.

Snipi, Inc.

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
Approved investment: $150,000 (BFTP previously invested $125,000)

Snipi has created a social media platform that is poised to become the way that people collect, organize, share, and collaborate on their interests via web content.

Snipi’s tools—including browser toolbars and an iPhone application—allow users to easily capture products, photos, videos and other content off any Web site, and share it via sites like Facebook and Twitter. Snipi’s users can also start Streams, which let others contribute their “snips” to a conversation topic.

The company’s new product is Sidecar, an application which retail Web sites can add to allow customers to easily save and access their favorite products, and receive personal recommendations, deals, and product alerts. Sidecar then provides the retailer with details about their audience and potential customers.

The company’s founder and CEO is Andre Golsorkhi.

SRS Energy

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
Approved investment: $250,000

SRS Energy develops and manufactures integrated photovoltaic (solar-powered) roofing tiles, which in addition to being capable of integrating with traditional roofing products in a new roof, can be retrofitted into an existing roof. The unique tiles can capture and convert sunlight into electricity just like traditional solar panels, but without compromising aesthetics.

SRS Energy is led by JD Albert, CEO, and Michael McCaffrey, CFO. JD Albert previously co-founded E Ink Corporation, which developed the display technology for the Amazon Kindle.

Topaz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Horsham, Montgomery County
Approved investment: $500,000 (BFTP previously invested $250,000)

Topaz Pharmaceuticals’ goal is to make a lasting impact on public health by developing innovative treatments for head lice. It is estimated that about 6-12 million cases of head lice occur in the United States each year, primarily in school aged children that may lead to social ostracism, cause parental anxiety and act as a source of economic loss through missed school days and caregiver time off work. Despite parents’ best efforts to get rid of lice, current treatments are often ineffective, and safety and convenience issues have been associated with the available prescription treatments.

Topaz has formulated a novel, consumer friendly topical cream using ivermectin that shows promise in treatment of head lice infestations. The company has conducted numerous clinical studies and is seeking FDA approval for the product to treat patients 6 months and older.

Topaz is led by Thomas Beck, MD, CEO & Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Beck was previously President and Chief Operating Officer at Dyax Corp. The company executives are Lisa DeLuca, Ph.D., Vice President of Regulatory Affairs; Reid McCarthy, Vice President of Finance and CFO; Bill Ryan, BVSc, Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs; and Bob Verdugo, Vice President of Planning.

Lazarus Therapeutics

Bethlehem, Northampton County
Approved Investment: $100,000

Conduct further pre-clinical testing for a new drug candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This is being completed in preparation for an Investigational New Drug filing. The company will also research the application of this medication to other traumatic or degenerative neurologic conditions.

LMC Software Solutions

Morgantown, Berks County
Approved Investment: $100,000

Assist LMC Software Solutions in the launch of its new software platform that supports information technology staff dealing with problems within their companies. 24/7 monitoring and log trails are built in, providing complete audit and compliance functions. Called Enterprise Technical Support Center(ETSC), this platform improves productivity and service availability at a reduced cost.

Viddler, Inc.

Ben Franklin TechVentures
Bethlehem, Northampton County
Approved Investment: $25,000

Continue commercializing Viddler’s on-line video enhancement, distribution, and sharing platform which consumer and commercial customers use to engage their clients and build their brand recognition on-line. Viddler offers the only platform that allows in-line text or video commenting, which has been proven to increase the amount and duration of a video’s viewership. Further develop the current version for business and serious videographers.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments:

Ashland Foundry and Machine Works

Ashland, Schuylkill County
College Partner: Northampton Community College’s Emerging Technology Applications Center
Approved Investment: $32,850

Assess Ashland’s current energy consumption to identify ways to reduce usage and energy inefficiencies, and thereby decrease operating costs. Ashland manufactures pump components from high alloy castings.

Hitachi Metals

Lawrenceville, Tioga County
University Partner: The Pennsylvania State University
Approved Investment: $36,250

Develop a collagen-based core binder system that can displace the phenolic urethane and resin binders now used at this ductile iron caster. This binder system will reduce emissions and energy consumption, allowing the foundry to increase production and profits.

Ben Franklin announces the following special initiative investment:

Pennsylvania College of Technology Thermoforming Center

Williamsport, Lycoming County
College Partner: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Ben Franklin Investment: $10,000

Building on the success of two Plastics Centers of Excellence at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, develop a Thermoforming Center of Excellence. The Center is developing relationship networks among companies and academic institutions in the thermoforming industry, and assessing educational needs in industry.

About BFTP/NEP

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/NEP staff concentrated their efforts on three key areas:

1. Developing early-stage technology-oriented companies,
2. Helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership, and
3. Promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to create 14,301 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and to retain 21,236 existing jobs, to start 408 new companies, and to develop 948 new products and processes. 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.

“This latest round of investments demonstrates the strength of our region’s energy sector and the continued commitment of our business solutions entrepreneurs,” said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Companies approved for funding:

Achieve X, LLC, Conshohocken, $150,000
Achieve X is expanding its existing professional live events network, CFO Alliance, to include an online social networking arm called AchieveNext. AchieveNext is a social networking community designed initially for accounting and financial professionals.  It will connect members with others based on shared interests, desired personal and professional development, experience and needs. Achieve X is run by CEO and founder Nick Araco, Esq., and co-founder and COO Greg Wood.

CeeLite® Technologies, LLC, Colmar, $500,000
CeeLite® develops and commercializes Light Emitting Capacitor (LEC) technology.  CeeLite® LEC panels are thin, flexible and lightweight light sources that may be used on flat or curved surfaces to illuminate the surface itself and to provide illuminated advertising, signs and architectural surfaces.  LEC technology is distinct from existing lighting sources and is considered to be a separate category of products from anything currently available in the lighting industry. CeeLite® is led by Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., Chairman; Martha McGeary Snider, Chief Executive Officer; Huei-Pin Huang, Founder, Chief Technology Officer and Director; and others.

Clear Align, LLC, Eagleville, $251,000
(Ben Franklin previously invested $251,000)
Clear Align is an optical engineering and systems integration company focused on imaging, sensing, and fiber optics.  The company supplies advanced optical engineering, prototyping and manufacturing for the aerospace, defense, communications, and medical markets; and is trusted for its fast, reliable and cost-effective solutions. In 2009, Clear Align was ranked #1 by Inc. Magazine for fastest growing private company in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and #3 by the Philly 100® for Regional Growth. Clear Align is led by founder, President and CEO Angelique Irvin; and Vice Presidents Michael Finlan, Robert Irvin and David Huff.

Community Energy, Inc., Radnor, $400,000
Community Energy’s mission is to bring wind and solar energy power into widespread, commercial production at the utility scale.  The company’s vision is to be a leading renewable energy development company that brings early and advanced solar and wind projects to market. The company is led by Brent Alderfer, CEO and co-founder. Mr. Alderfer previously served as Colorado Public Utility Commissioner, and is well known for developing new energy technologies.  Other company leaders include Eric Blank, Executive Vice President, co-founder, and President of Wind Development; and Brent Beerley, Executive Vice President and President of Solar Development.

GreenPhire, Inc., King of Prussia, $200,000
GreenPhire develops and provides technology solutions for clinical trials.  The company focuses on ePayment solutions, including a prepaid debit card, ClinCard, that a study sponsor can use to pay study participants for their involvement in a trial.  The card is loaded with money every visit, and the participant can access the money instantly once it is loaded onto the card.  This reduces the clinical sites’ need for cash and the red tape involved with sending checks; and makes participants more willing to participate through promise of quick compensation. The company is led by Samuel Whitaker, co-founder and CEO; and John Samar, co-founder and COO.

OxiCool, Inc., Philadelphia, $200,000
(Ben Franklin previously invested $150,000)
OxiCool is developing a novel closed-loop cooling product that is directly applicable to military aircraft and vehicles, large truck anti-idling applications, and home air conditioners. OxiCool is now participating in a joint R&D project with the U.S. Navy to develop environmentally friendly air conditioning technologies.  Ben Franklin’s investment will be used for field testing their products. OxiCool is led by founder and CEO Ravikant Barot, Vice President of Engineering Robert Horvatich, and engineer Brandon Wilcox.

Quanta Technologies, Inc., Malvern, $250,000
Quanta Technologies is developing and manufacturing technologies for energy efficient storm windows, called Low-E Storm Windows.  The company will use the Weatherization Assistance Program in Pennsylvania to its advantage in educating residents on its windows and their high performance and low installation cost. Quanta will use Ben Franklin’s funding assistance to commercially launch its Low-E Storm Window business, and to find a manufacturing plant site in Pennsylvania.The company is led by Jay Reyher, President and CEO; John Siegel, COO; and Michael Neff, CFO.

Spectrum Devices Corporation, Hatfield, $75,000
(Ben Franklin previously invested $120,000)
Spectrum Devices designs, manufactures and commercializes high power transistors for RF and Microwave applications; including Bipolar and VDMOS transistors for RF and microwave power applications. Spectrum also develops products to bring obsolete or discontinued transistor products up to date, giving them greater life and better performance. The company is led by Dr. Jere Hohmann, CEO and President; Ben Caccavale, Vice President of Engineering; and Robert Blake, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

In addition, five new AlphaLab companies launched in Innovation Works’ accelerator for web, entertainment technology, and mobile applications companies. In addition, two Innovation Adoption Grants were made to small manufacturers to help them apply new technologies to make their products and processes more competitive by working with regional Centers of Excellence.

Seed Fund Portfolio Companies – Reinvestment

Bueda, Inc., Pittsburgh — $100,000
Total BFTP investment to date: $175,000
Bueda helps web publishers increase the profitability of their online ads by matching the right advertisement to the right multimedia content.

Thar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pittsburgh — $100,000
Total BFTP investment to date: $250,000
Thar Pharmaceuticals is focused on the development of improved versions of widely prescribed drugs that solve clinical limitations, such as bio-availability, efficacy, safety, or route of administration; thus providing new clinical performance and benefits. The company’s goal is to quickly build a pipeline of drug candidates and to commercialize drugs through established pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical companies.

WhereverTV, Inc., Pittsburgh– $50,000
Total BFTP investment to date: $250,000
WhereverTV delivers 1,200+ live international television channels over the Internet directly to any TV in the world via a customizable Global Interactive Program Guide. The guide can be accessed through a PC, set-top box or cell phone and travels with you wherever you go.

AlphaLab Companies – 4th Cycle

25eight, Inc. d/b/a DeviceKnit, Pittsburgh — $25,000
DeviceKnit is an online “cookbook” for gadgets. It allows users to find implementations, or combinations of hardware and software, that can be used to accomplish specified goals. By adding the electronics and gadgets a user has, DeviceKnit can show the most relevant solutions and how other users implement the same device.

80 Degrees West Interior Design Studio, Inc., Pittsburgh – $25,000
80 Degrees West Interior Design, Inc. is an online space which provides professional interior design advice to anyone with a decorating project.

Lama Lab, Inc., Pittsburgh — $25,000
Lama Lab has developed a cloud-based platform to help small and medium online retailers in real time. This platform uses proprietary algorithms to optimize their efforts in three important areas of e-commerce: Pricing, Inventory Management, and Marketing. For each area, Lama Lab will recommend actionable items, implement these recommendations with the click of a button, and track the effects of these recommendations.

Shoefitr, Inc., Pittsburgh — $25,000
Shoefitr is an application that helps online shoe shoppers find the perfect fit, which increases consumer confidence in ordering a properly fitting shoe online and reduces high return rates that plague online retailers.

Synesi, LLC d/b/a Photo Synesi, Pittsburgh — $25,000
Photo Synesi’s website connects aspiring photographers to professionals, providing them with rich, individualized and critical insights.

Innovation Adoption Grants

Think First, LLC, Cranberry Township — $9,500
Think First is an engineered solutions company that provides custom and semi-custom electrical, mechanical and control systems to the steel industry.

Cannon Boiler Works, Inc., New Kensington — $50,000
Cannon Boiler Works designs and manufactures energy-recovery equipment for industrial boilers. These units sit on top of or near a boiler, collect the waste heat of the boiler and use that heat to radiate hot water back through the boiler system. Cannon Boiler Works’ equipment saves companies up to 10% from their steam generation fuel bill, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.