Ben Franklin News
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $578,000 in support of regional economic development. Clients are early-stage, technology-based firms and established manufacturers in BFTP/NEP’s 21-county service area. (Coverage via Lehigh Valley Business)
Investments that are identified as continuation projects indicate that the client achieved pre-determined milestones and is receiving more funding to accomplish additional project work.
BFTP/NEP announces the following early-stage company investments, which are provided in the form of loans with warrants.
Build My Team, The Stourbridge Incubator, Honesdale, Wayne County
Ben Franklin investment: $35,000
Support marketing efforts, website development, and lead generation for this producer of software-as-a-service job placement tools. The company provides clients an automated, proven, and proprietary screening process that includes detailed profiling. The technology substantially reduces the time and effort required to identify and hire new staff and improves the chances that the new hire will succeed and stay at the organization.
CryoConcepts LP, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: $135,000
Support commercialization of patented cryosurgical tools to remove warts and other benign topical skin lesions, and address cosmetic applications such as improvements in the appearance of wrinkles. Customer segments include physicians, veterinarians, aestheticians, and consumers.
Ophidion, Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment $100,000
Commercialize a new technology that enables the delivery of therapeutics, including large molecules, to the brain following systemic administration. The company is leveraging its proprietary blood-brain barrier transport technology to advance a systemically delivered gene-silencing siRNA product for the treatment of Huntington’s disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no current cure. The technology may also be applicable to the delivery of other important therapeutic modalities, including oligonucleotides, peptides, and monoclonal antibodies, to the brain to treat various neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer.
Phoenix Hockey USA, LLC, Tatamy, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: $25,000
Increase sales through improvements in distribution, direct promotion, and e-marketing for this producer of field hockey sticks that are manufactured with a proprietary process. The technology allows the price point of US-made sticks to compete with Asian-made sticks. Also, secure the necessary materials to build inventory. Field hockey is the third most popular sport in the world.
PrintElements Corp., The Stourbridge Incubator, Honesdale, Wayne County
Ben Franklin investment: $100,000
Further develop a print-specific platform at this provider of print and packaging services that utilizes technology and a diverse network of suppliers. PrintElements’ technology combines print-specific tools and integrated software to simplify project management, and a connected network of suppliers that enables a more efficient print supply chain. PrintElements’ Print-as-a-Service model provides the structural flexibility needed to support customers in a streamlined end-to-end experience.
Southern Safety Products, LLC, Bloomsburg, Columbia County
Ben Franklin investment: $35,000
Provide distribution and marketing support for the commercialization of a new fire safety product. Smoke Shield is an easily installed device that provides up to an hour of breathable air during a fire when a victim is unable to escape. In addition to supplying air, the device utilizes strobe lights and cellular communications to alert rescue personnel to the location of the victim.
studio BE Mindfulness, LLC, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County
Ben Franklin investment: $50,000
Enhance sales and marketing efforts and improve technical tools, including an upgraded website and online instruction, for the company’s proprietary, self-led, and scientifically backed mindfulness techniques. Corporate executives, managers, and other employee participants will increase productivity, reduce stress, improve interpersonal communications, and enhance resilience through the curriculum.
Ben Franklin provides 1:1 matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based innovation in established manufacturers.
Fluortek, Inc. Easton, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: $25,000
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center
Optimize the usage of floor space within the company’s manufacturing facility and assess the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning system to increase production. Fluortek manufactures customized, high-precision extruded plastic tubing for the medical device industry.
Nazareth Pallet Co., Inc. Northampton, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: continuation project $15,500
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center
Complete a thorough analysis of company operations at this producer, customizer, recycler, and rebuilder of wooden pallets. The focus will be on improving efficiencies in process flow logistics, increasing output, and enhancing end-product quality.
PMA-13, Inc., Allentown, Lehigh County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000 – continuation project
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Center for Supply Chain Research
Implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning system at this producer of signage for government organizations, hospitals, and companies. The new system will streamline and simplify processes to accommodate anticipated growth.
Process Technologies & Packaging, Olyphant, Lackawanna County
Ben Franklin Investment: $22,500
University Partners: Wilkes University
Develop a layout and design for the consolidation of manufacturing and warehouse operations at this developer, manufacturer, and filler/packager of cosmetics and personal care products.
Tower Products, Easton, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: $10,000 — continuation project
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Center for Supply Chain Research
Complete the addition of a new module to a recently installed Enterprise Resource Planning system to meet operational requirements more efficiently at this manufacturer of environmentally sensitive offset and flexographic pressroom chemistry products.
