Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA

ICYMI: Pennsylvania leaders recently got a firsthand look at innovation in action at X-Hab 3D’s State College facility. With visits from state and university leadership, this moment highlights the growing momentum around advanced manufacturing and technology right here in Central Pennsylvania. Companies like X-Hab are helping shape the future of construction through cutting-edge solutions and real-world application.

🚀 Erie's startup ecosystem just got 8 new reasons to be excited. We're thrilled to announce the Spring 2026 TechCelerator cohort — 8 early-stage companies selected to join our intensive accelerator program in partnership with the ECGRA - Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. From a gamified personal finance app to an AI-powered oncology platform, to an all-in-one ordering system for independent restaurants, and more — this cohort reflects the breadth of innovation happening right now in Northwest Pennsylvania. Read more about each founder and their company here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekipgQUU Since launching, the Ben Franklin TechCelerator has supported over 170 early-stage companies in gaining traction, securing funding, and scaling operations. This spring's class continues that legacy. The cohort will be formally celebrated at a press event on Wednesday, April 22 at 10am at Radius CoWork, 900 State Street, Erie, PA. We'd love to see the Erie community come out and meet the founders! Kevin Marz Ivan Watts @Sean Friedrich Dylan Knight Josh Burgess James Lundin Destin DeMarion Yashwanth Kasini #BenFranklinTechPartners #TechCelerator #StartupFunding #Erie

Big checks, bigger impact. 🎉 A snapshot from our recent Big Check Celebration at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College — where we celebrated funding for two incredible local companies, INTAG Systems and FIXEDHHS, through the Erie Revitalization Investment Fund in partnership with Erie Insurance Group. So proud to see these founders growing their teams and building Erie's innovation economy from the ground up. #BenFranklin #Erie #Pennsylvania #Startups #Innovation Brian Slawin Sherry Davidson Cathy von Birgelen Heidi Sullivan

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.

Erie’s innovation economy is making headlines. Following today’s BIG Checks Celebration, local coverage is already highlighting how the Erie Revitalization Investment Fund is helping companies grow, innovate, and create new opportunities across the region. From supporting scalable businesses to strengthening the local economy, this is what it looks like when investment meets impact. Take a look at the full story ⬇️

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Innovation is growing in Erie and it's being backed with real investment. Through the Erie Revitalization Investment Fund, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA and Erie Insurance Group are supporting companies like INTAG Systems and FIXEDHHS as they scale operations, invest in technology, and create new opportunities in the region. From advancing sustainable agriculture to modernizing home services, these companies represent the kind of forward-thinking innovation driving Erie’s economic future. The Big Checks Celebration will take place at 10 a.m. on March 26 at the Sam Black Knowledge Center. We’re proud to celebrate these investments and the founders building what’s next.

ICYMI: We recently celebrated two Lancaster-based companies advancing innovation in food and agriculture. Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA announced a $175,000 investment in Founders Market & Co. 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.

This week we marked the opening of our new space with a ribbon cutting alongside our Board of Directors, and a memorable appearance from our CEO, Scott Nissenbaum, as Ben Franklin.   An important step in creating a more visible center for founders, partners, and the broader innovation ecosystem to connect and grow.   Grateful to our board and community for their continued support.

Evrys Bio, Inc is proud to announce that their CEO, Lillian Chiang, PhD, has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500, an annual list honoring the most dynamic women business leaders in the United States. The honor recognizes founders whose bold ideas, resilience, and execution are shaping the future of their industries.   https://lnkd.in/ejjXXK7m