Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin Northeast) has approved $972,500 in investments from January to March of fiscal year 2025.
These investments will support eight early-stage companies and seven established manufacturers, fostering innovative product development, workforce expansion, and operational growth across the region.
$785,000 in investments will be made to the following early-stage companies:
Ayana Active
Montour County
Ayana Active creates sustainable, high-performance activewear for women, utilizing breathable fabrics to enhance comfort and mobility.
Learn more at ayanaactive.com
Hyrding LLC
Carbon County
Hyrding offers an AI-powered platform to streamline regulatory documentation for industries like life sciences, finance, and aerospace.
Learn more at hyrding.com
I Need A Speaker
Lackawanna County
I Need A Speaker connects event planners with speakers of all experience levels through an online directory, facilitating direct communication without liaison fees.
Learn more at ineedaspeaker.com
Infuse AI Tech Corp.
Berks County
Infuse AI Tech Corp. offers Agent23 – AI agents that deliver customer support, convert leads into customers, and drive revenue growth. These AI agents work tirelessly 24/7—on text, web chat, email, and voice—turning leads into loyal customers, resolving issues, scheduling appointments, and driving sales.
Learn more at Agent23.ai
Power Down Semiconductor, Inc.
Northampton County
Power Down Semiconductor focuses on developing innovative, low-power solutions for microcontrollers and other semiconductors to optimize battery life and performance.
Learn more at powerdownsemi.com
SOCIAL GUIDES, INC.
Lehigh County
Social Guides offers curated guides and recommendations on local dining, events, and experiences, helping users discover options tailored to their interests and location.
Learn more at socialguides.io
The Varona Co
Berks County
The Varona Co. offers Ocoa Beauty, a line of luxury hair care products designed to nourish and enhance curls, with a focus on clean ingredients and sustainability.
Learn more at ocoabeauty.com
Thread Bioscience
Lehigh County
Thread Bioscience is focused on improving healthcare outcomes by leveraging advanced technologies to provide personalized diagnostic solutions.
Learn more at threadb.com
$187,500 will be invested in the following manufacturers, incorporating student enrichment work with a college or university partner:
American Crane & Equipment Company
Berks County
American Crane & Equipment Corporation has been an innovator of high-quality specialty lifting equipment for over 50 years. They will partner with Alvernia University on this project to select a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Learn more at americancrane.com
Human Active Technology, LLC
Northampton County
Human Active Technology focuses on developing innovative technology solutions to improve ergonomics and enhance user experience in the workplace. On this project, Lehigh University’s ESC team will help assist in defining workflows to support future product flow.
Learn more at hatdw.com
IHE Bev, LLC
Lycoming County
IHE Bev, operating as New Trail Brewing Co., is dedicated to enhancing craft beer. They will partner with Pennsylvania College of Technology on this project to boost yields while maintaining quality.
Learn more at newtrailbrewing.com
JED Pool Tools, Inc.
Lackawanna County
JED Pool Tools, Inc., operating as Northeastern Plastics, specializes in custom injection molding, prototyping, and 3D printing services. They will partner with Lehigh University on this project for a strategic organizational assessment to support future growth and development.
Learn more at northeastern-plastics.com
LifeAire Systems, LLC
Berks County
LifeAire Systems specializes in medical-grade air purification solutions, delivering high-purity air to sensitive environments. Their patented technology effectively removes airborne pathogens and chemical contaminants, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and ensure safety.
Learn more at lifeaire.com
NOVATECH, L.L.C.
Northampton County
NovaTech provides automation products and solutions for electric utilities, including substation automation, precision timing, metering, and grid edge applications. They will work with Lehigh University’s ESC team on the evaluation and selection of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Learn more at novatechautomation.com
Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations, LLC
Lehigh County
Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations specializes in silicone adhesive coating solutions for medical device and advanced wound care applications. They will partner with Lehigh University to develop process documentation and training materials to support future improvements.
Learn more at wacker.com
Some projects were financed (in part) from Pennsylvania Small Business Credit Initiative funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.
