Ben Franklin Technology Partners/Central and Northern PA

08/21/2026

Applications Are Officially Open! The 2026 Big Idea Contest is now accepting applications.

Compete for:
• $50,000 in prize money
• $2,500 People's Choice Award
• Personalized mentorship
• Valuable networking opportunities

Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, researcher, or startup founder, now is your chance to bring your idea to life. Apply before October 16: https://bit.ly/4xj4QMt

08/20/2026

If you're building a company with a technology component and a vision to grow in Central and Northern Pennsylvania, you don't have to figure it all out alone.

Watch to hear from Kate Alward, Human Resources, on one of the biggest lessons she wishes every entrepreneur knew before coming in for advising: it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to say, "I don't know."

From building your HR foundation early to making that critical first hire, thoughtful decisions at the beginning can help set your company up for what comes next.

Pull up a chair for Coffee with Kate. ☕

08/14/2026

Something BIG is coming. Got an idea that could change an industry? A solution to a problem no one else has solved? Stay tuned. The Big Idea Contest returns soon with funding, mentorship, and opportunities to help innovators move their ideas forward.

Watch for application details coming next week: https://bit.ly/4xj4QMt

07/07/2026

A major step forward for innovation in Central Pennsylvania.

We're excited to welcome James Delattre to Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern Pennsylvania in a first-of-its-kind joint appointment with Penn State's Office of the Senior Vice President for Research.

This landmark partnership creates a stronger bridge between groundbreaking university research and the resources needed to turn new ideas into thriving companies. By working across both organizations, James will help accelerate technology commercialization, strengthen regional collaboration, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and community partners work together. This appointment reflects our shared commitment to building an even stronger innovation ecosystem for Pennsylvania.

Please join us in welcoming James to the Ben Franklin team!

Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/4glzFu8

06/24/2026

Every investment tells a story.

Our 2026 Annual Report highlights the entrepreneurs, innovators, manufacturers, and community partners who are helping shape the future of Central and Northern Pennsylvania.

Inside, you'll find stories of startups gaining momentum, portfolio companies scaling their impact, strategic partnerships strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and the measurable outcomes that result when great ideas are matched with the right support.

We're proud of what we've accomplished together and even more excited about what's ahead.

View the full Annual Report: https://bit.ly/4eNMifg

03/31/2026

If you're building a company with a technology component and a vision to grow in Central and Northern Pennsylvania, this is where we come in. From brand new ideas with early traction to established companies evolving their next chapter, we invest in and support founders at critical moments of growth.

Watch to hear from Craig Womeldorf, Executive in Residence and Entrepreneur in Residence, on who we work with and how we help move ideas forward.

03/24/2026

ICYMI: We recently celebrated two Lancaster-based companies advancing innovation in food and agriculture.⠀
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA announced a $175,000 investment in and a $100,000 investment in KiposTech, supporting their continued growth, job creation, and impact across the region. From strengthening food distribution infrastructure to advancing ag-tech solutions, these companies are helping move Pennsylvania’s innovation economy forward.

03/14/2026

Every startup begins with a moment like this. A few ideas and people working through what could be possible.

At Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA, we help founders turn those early conversations into real momentum through funding, guidance, and connections that move businesses forward.

If you’re building something new in our region, let’s start the conversation: https://bit.ly/3ORY6yo

03/12/2026

Behind every successful startup is a strong support system.

Our Transformation team brings experience across marketing, finance, HR, advertising, and strategic planning. They meet founders where they are and help them tackle challenges that come with growth.

When you work with Ben Franklin, you gain a team in your corner!

ℹ️ https://bit.ly/4pCpFNV

03/11/2026

The era of optimizing for "ten blue links" is changing. Search is evolving beyond traditional rankings and website links. Join Us.
**Still time to regsiter for this FREE webinar, Thursday March 12, 2026 at 10:00 am**

The era of optimizing for "ten blue links" is changing. Search is evolving beyond traditional rankings and website links. Today, people are turning to AI-powered tools and assistants to ask complex questions—and they expect clear, trusted answers, not pages of search results. In this session, we.....