Ben Franklin TechVentures is a high-tech workspace and community for early-stage companies. Located on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, the 62,000-square-foot facility addresses the growing appetite for incubator space and affordable wet laboratory facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The facility is uniquely situated to meet the needs of emerging technology-oriented businesses, including the life sciences. Ben Franklin TechVentures brings new life to an historic facility that was once the seat of research and innovation for Bethlehem Steel, one of the most famous industrial companies of the 20th century. The building was key to the development of the steel company’s highest-value coated products, which were coveted by automakers, metal building manufacturers, appliance makers and other businesses around the world. BFTP/NEP reclaimed and renovated this original site of Bethlehem Steel innovation, transforming it into an expanded incubator and post-incubator facility for technology companies.

The Need for Ben Franklin TechVentures

The original Ben Franklin Business Incubator, located in a smaller facility across the street from Ben Franklin TechVentures, was at capacity for most of its quarter-century in operation. Both BFTP/NEP and its regional economic development colleagues had been forced to turn away promising companies due to a lack of incubator and wet lab space in the region. Compared to the original building, Ben Franklin TechVentures doubles the available wet lab space and more than triples the office and dry laboratory space available. By renovating this bastion of innovation, BFTP/NEP continues its long-standing track record of fueling Pennsylvania’s technology economy by investing in infrastructure.

Facility Overview

• 35,000 square feet of rentable space–including more than 11,000 square feet of dedicated wet lab space
• Full safety and environmental compliance for all facilities
• Flexible floor planning to accommodate specific needs
• 24/7 secured access and video surveillance
• Innovative use of technology to foster community among tenants
• Rental rates substantially lower than market rates
• State-of-the art high-speed Internet and telephone facilities
• Energy-saving automatic lighting system
• Men’s and women’s shower facilities
• Ample parking and full loading dock with a heavy-duty five-ton crane
• Large elevator with four-ton capacity
• Access to the facilities, equipment, staff and students of Lehigh University

General Information
Website	www.bftechventures.org
Location	Mountaintop Campus, Lehigh University, Bethlehem (directions)
Year Started	1983; moved to larger building in 2007
Examples of Successful Graduates	OraSure IQE Authentix Computer Aid
Contact	Wayne Barz, Manager 116 Research Drive Bethlehem, PA 18015 610.758.5421 wbarz@nep.benfranklin.org
Tax Benefit Status	Keystone Innovation Zone

General Facility Features
Size	35,000 square feet of rentable space
Rentable Sizes	250 to 1,230 square feet
Wet Lab Space	11,000+ square feet
Number of Floors	Three
Ceiling Height	9.5 feet offices, 12 feet labs
Typical Rent	$12 per square foot (office); $15 per square foot (lab)
Nature of Space	High-tech office and wet lab space
Loading Dock	Yes
Parking	100+ spaces
Handicappped Accessible	Yes
Security	Keyless access entry system with 24 hour video surveillance

Shared Tenant Resources
Conference Rooms	Five, with electronic scheduling
A/V Equipment	Projector, screen, plasma displays
Internet	20 megabit per second data
Phone System	VOIP system
High-Speed Copier, Fax	Yes
Cable TV	Yes
Showers	Yes (both men’s and women’s)
Breakroom	Two, with kitchenette