Article featured on LancasterOnline.
Seven tech entrepreneurs from Lancaster and Lebanon counties have made the finals of the Big Idea competition, hosted by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA.
They will get the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of local judges at 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Candy Factory, 342 N. Queen St. The finals are open to the public.
The winner will receive a grand prize of up to $50,000 cash, plus free training and support.
Advancing from 23 entrants are:
— James Cosentino with Craft Biotech, Millersville, which provides easy-to-use analysis tools for the fermentation industry.
— Christopher Moore with Creating Moore LLC, Palmyra, which is developing an innovative technology that enables society to be better stewards of our planet’s resources.
— Henry Yaeger with Integrated Platform Services, Lancaster, which is creating a technology-enabled concierge subscription service for families to manage the care of aging adults.
— Nathan Shea with LabStrux, Lancaster, which offers cybersecurity software products primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense.
— Ryan Harris with Noodigs Realty Services, Lancaster, which is developing a for-sale-by-owner software platform that provides greatly reduced fees and comprehensive process guidance.
— Keith Landis with Quantified Financial Solutions, Lancaster, which is developing software that allows the user/customer to view the outcomes of decisions based on current and future financial projections.
— Carolyn Martin with Rival 5 Game, Quarryville, which is developing a number strategy game based on skill and chance targeting children and adults.
In addition to receiving up to $50,000 in cash, the winner will get a free six-month membership in Ben Franklin’s new TechCelerator at The Candy Factory, a co-working space.
The winner also will receive a one-year pass to seminars offered by Ben Franklin’s eMarketing Learning Center, valued at $3,000, and free instruction from the Innovation Partnership, also valued at $3,000, in accessing federal research-and-development grants.
The Ben Franklin initiative is a program of the state Department of Community & Economic Development.
The Big Idea competition, unveiled in March, is limited to Lancaster or Lebanon County entrepreneurs who are developing or commercializing a new, innovative tech-based product or process.
About The Candy Factory:
The Candy Factory’s mission is to spur the growth of small businesses in and around Lancaster, PA by supporting a community of professionals who gather, share, imagine, create, and thrive through the power of coworking. candyissweet.com
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners:
The largest early-stage/seed investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, (an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) provides funding, operational assistance, and business support services to emerging tech-based companies and small manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Visit Ben Franklin’s website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org.