Bringing Energy to Economic Development is the theme of the 2009 Ben Franklin Annual Report. The report describes 2009 developments in Ben Franklin’s work in energy, TechVentures, the Incubator Network and client activities, as well as lists the year’s investments, among other news. Continue Reading ...

OraSure Technologies has changed the landscape in diagnostic medical testing. Its noninvasive oral test for HIV—the first approved by the FDA—has been lauded as a key tool in the fight against AIDS. OraSure's products have a variety of diagnostic capabilities, ranging from HIV to other infectious diseases and drug and alcohol abuse. Continue Reading ...

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors approved an investment of $487,787 in support of regional economic development. The investments are with four early-stage technology companies and six established manufacturers. BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that Continue Reading ...

MegaPhase equips the United States military with cables for systems that combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan. MegaPhase’s cables are used in tens of thousands of these systems in vehicles in the U.S. Army. MegaPhase’s systems nullify enemies’ detonation devices that blow up roadside IEDs. Two-thirds of all deaths Continue Reading ...

TPC Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Archbrook Capital Management, LLC, announced that it had acquired a majority interest in BFTP/NEP client Tray-Pak Corporation, a leading manufacturer of custom thermoformed plastic packaging products. Tray-Pak received the 2007 Manufacturing Achievement Innovation Award from BFTP/NEP. TPC Partners will work closely with Tray-Pak in Reading to position the company for continued growth in the rapidly changing thermoforming market. “Tray-Pak is a respected member of the Greater Reading business community and a first-class innovator in the plastic packaging sector,” says John McGlinn, a partner of TPC Partners.

Diversified Information Technologies announced that it acquired Active Data Services of Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Scranton-based Diversified Information Technologies is a leading provider of document and information lifecycle solutions and serves the Fortune 1,000 in a variety of industries. “Through this strategic acquisition, Diversified is expanding its footprint in the health care industry, its market presence in the Southeast and is introducing new and expanded services,” says Diversified’s president and CEO Scott Byers. Diversified Information Technologies received the 2009 Innovative Application of Technology Award from BFTP/NEP.