Ben Franklin News

Ben Franklin TechVentures Wins Another National Award

Incubator Recognized for Building Entrepreneurial Capacity by

the State Science and Technology Institute

The State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) named Ben Franklin TechVentures® the winner of its Building Entrepreneurial Capacity award on October 29th at SSTI’s National Conference in Atlanta. TechVentures and five other organizations were named winners of SSTI’s 2012 Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development awards, serving as national models for states and regions investing in science, technology and innovation to grow their economies and create high-paying jobs. Ben Franklin TechVentures is owned and managed by the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) on Lehigh University’s Mountaintop Campus in Bethlehem, PA.

“These organizations are helping to lead our nation’s economic recovery and their successes further substantiate the value of tech-based initiatives for regional economic growth,” said Dan Berglund, SSTI President and CEO.

More than 250 local, regional, and national leaders in economic development from more than 40 states attended SSTI’s 16th Annual Conference. Ben Franklin TechVentures was cited as a highly accomplished incubator/post incubator facility which develops early-stage technology companies that are creating sustainable, high-paying jobs and advancing the regional economy. With a track record extending nearly 30 years, Ben Franklin has demonstrated an ability to evolve over time to meet the needs of the region while cultivating partnerships with the private sector to expand its reach. Since 1983, the Ben Franklin Business Incubator and TechVentures® have graduated 55 successful companies, together grossing more than $620 million in annual revenue and creating more than 5,400 jobs.

“As a pioneering technology incubator, Ben Franklin TechVentures has an outstanding record of success and has inspired a host of initiatives across the country,” said Dan Berglund. “Over the years, it has remained a responsive and crucial player in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s high-tech community.”

Other winners include:

–       The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund – Expanding the Research Capacity Category

–       Oregon Nanosciences and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) – Commercializing Research Category

–       TechColumbus – Increasing Access to Capital Category

–       Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research – Improving Competitiveness of Existing Industries Category

–       BioAccel – Most Promising TBED Initiative Category

“Collaboration and meaningful partnerships proved to be an essential component for success among this year’s award winners,” Berglund noted. “Our winners have demonstrated economic growth strategies that are replicable and are producing tangible results worthy of emulation for those involved in improving the nation’s competitiveness.”