Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Angelo J. Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, on his appointment to the Alvernia University Board of Trustees.

This recognition comes during a year in which Angelo has also served as Executive in Residence for Alvernia University’s Header School of Business for 2025–2026, sharing his leadership experience with students and helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business challenges.

Angelo's commitment to servant leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development continues to make a meaningful impact across Pennsylvania. We are proud to see his expertise and dedication recognized through this important appointment.

Read more here: https://www.alvernia.edu/news/2026/05/alvernia-adds-four-business-leaders-board-trustees

05/11/2026

Read all about our big night: https://nep.benfranklin.org/venture-idol-2026-celebrates-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-in-northeastern-pennsylvania/

💡Many Thanks to our Title Sponsor: Olympus Corporation

⚡And to our Presenting Sponsors: Activate Venture Partners | ARS Investment Partners, LLC | PenTeleData | Service Electric Business

05/06/2026

💡Tomorrow is the big day!💡

The stage is set. The energy is building. And we look forward to welcoming our guests to TechVentures for the big pitch competition!

Mosqitter
Agent23.AI (Infuse AI Tech Corp.)
Hydron Desalination
Stratsimple

From AI-powered communications and advanced water recovery to chemical-free mosquito control and smarter strategic planning, these companies are stepping up to solve real problems in big ways.

💡Many Thanks to our Title Sponsor: Olympus Corporation

⚡And to our Presenting Sponsors: Activate Venture Partners | ARS Investment Partners, LLC | PenTeleData | Service Electric Business

05/05/2026

We proudly recognize Olympus Corporation as the Title Sponsor of Venture Idol 2026.

As a global leader in medical technology, Olympus is dedicated to advancing solutions that support early detection, improve patient outcomes, and elevate standards of care worldwide. Their commitment to innovation aligns closely with the spirit of Venture Idol, where bold ideas and emerging companies are shaping the future of our region.

We are grateful for their partnership in making this event possible, and for their continued investment in the next generation of innovators.

04/30/2026

We are proud to recognize and thank New Trail Brewing Company, one of Ben Franklin Northeast’s valued portfolio companies, for their generous support of Venture Idol 2026.

New Trail Brewing has donated the beer that will be enjoyed during this year’s event, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for an evening focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional growth.

We are grateful to New Trail for giving back and helping make Venture Idol a memorable experience for our guests!

04/29/2026

We are proud to recognize and thank Idea Communication Networks Inc. , led by Greg Mester, for their generous support of Venture Idol 2026.

As part of this year’s grand prize package, Idea Communication Networks has contributed one year of corporate coaching to help our winning startup strengthen its strategy, leadership, and long-term growth potential.

Learn more at www.ideacommnets.com

04/28/2026

Meet the judges who will help decide the winner of the Venture Idol 2026 Pitch Competition!

We are proud to welcome three accomplished leaders whose expertise spans venture capital, entrepreneurship, law, growth strategy, and startup investment:

💡Aston Pierce
Director, GO PA Fund, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
An experienced investor with a background in growth equity and venture capital, Pierce brings deep knowledge of enterprise solutions and software, healthcare IT, and financial technology.

💡Sushma Rajagopalan
Partner, Rittenhouse Ventures
A global technology executive turned venture investor, Rajagopalan has more than 25 years of leadership experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and business growth.

💡Elizabeth Sigety, Esq.
Partner, Fox Rothschild
A nationally recognized attorney and investor, Sigety advises high-growth and venture-backed companies and has spent decades supporting emerging businesses across the region.

Their insight, experience, and entrepreneurial perspective will help make this year’s competition one to remember.

There is still time to join us for an exciting evening of innovation, networking, and live startup pitches! Purchase tickets today: https://secure.givelively.org/event/ben-franklin-technology-partners-of-northeastern-pennsylvania-inc/venture-idol-2026

04/23/2026

We’re proud to recognize PenTeleData and Service Electric Business for their support of Venture Idol 2026, and for our reliable internet service year-round.

Ben Franklin Northeast and the innovators based at TechVentures rely on the dual Tier-1 fiber internet connections they provide to keep our building running with fully redundant, 24/7 connectivity.

That dependable infrastructure is vital to our day-to-day operations and gives the startups we support the ability to build, test, and grow their technologies in real time without disruption.

04/22/2026

We are proud to recognize Melanie Kohler as she begins an exciting new chapter as Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels Greater Lehigh Valley.

During her time at Ben Franklin Northeast, Melanie has made a lasting impact through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to strengthening our organization and the communities we serve. Her thoughtful approach to transformation, operational excellence, and people-centered leadership helped position Ben Franklin Northeast for continued growth and success.

Melanie has been a valued colleague, trusted leader, and positive force across our team. While we will miss her presence, we are proud to see her step into this important role where her talents will continue to make a meaningful difference in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Please join us in thanking Melanie for her many contributions and wishing her every success in the years ahead. Congratulations, Melanie!

We are excited to welcome Melanie Kohler as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Melanie brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for building meaningful connections within the community. Her experience and vision will help guide as we continue to expand our impact and serve homebound seniors and adults with disabilities across the region.

Please join us in welcoming Melanie to the MOWGLV family 💙

Read more here: https://brnw.ch/21x1Po1 🔗

04/21/2026

💡 We’re proud to recognize our Bronze Sponsors for their support of Venture Idol 2026. 💡

We are sincerely grateful for these many organizations that have come together to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and the continued growth of our regional startup community!

Advanced Photonic Sciences
The O'Pake Institute of Alvernia University - O'Pake Institute
American Paper Bag
AWG Contracting
Bell Media Group- Bell Media Group
Compass Point Consulting LLC - Compass Point Consulting LLC
EAM-Mosca Corp.
Gentex Corporation - Gentex Corporation
Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc. - CAN DO, Inc.
Greater Reading Chamber Alliance - Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce - The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce - Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce
IGNITE
Lackawanna College - Lackawanna College
Luzerne County Community College - Luzerne County Community College
Marsh McLennan Agency - Marsh McLennan Agency - East Region
NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator - Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance
Penn College Workforce Development - Penn College Workforce Development
Penn State Berks/Berks LaunchBox - Berks LaunchBox
PSA Systems
Ridge Policy Group - Ridge Policy Group
Rittenhouse Ventures
Wodjak
Working Dog Press - Working Dog Press