Venture Idol
Venture Idol:
Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Ben Franklin's Annual Pitch Competition & Innovation Awards
Venture Idol unites 250+ business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and investors for an electrifying night of networking, pitches, and awards. Ben Franklin Northeast portfolio companies compete for cash prizes, with winners chosen by expert judges and audience votes. This high-energy event celebrates innovation, honors achievements in manufacturing and entrepreneurship, and fuels the future of Northeast PA’s startup ecosystem.
All About our 2026 Event
Visit our web recap for all of the details.
Follow us on LinkedIn for photos and other event info.
- Check out our news coverage at Lehigh Valley Business!
- Get on our email list for next year! Send your info to kmetz@nep.benfranklin.org.
View the Digital Program Book
Many Thanks to our 2026 Venture Idol Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Advanced Photonic Sciences, Inc.
Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute
Compass Point Family Business Consulting, LLC
Alianza de la Cámara de Comercio de Reading
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce
Luzerne County Community College
NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator
Penn College Workforce Development
Portfolio Spotlight
Event Contact Info
Questions? Please email kmetz@nep.benfranklin.org or call 610-554-1079.
Venture Idol Sponsorship Form