The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $700,000 in support of regional economic development. The investments are with four early stage technology companies and two initiatives in support of the region’s business infrastructure. 

Early Stage Companies

American Outsourcing Solutions
Dallas (Luzerne County)
Approved Investment: $150,000

Project: Complete development of software tools for outsourced print and e-commerce advertising production for the newspaper and magazine industries. The program can save customers substantially in production costs, thereby increasing advertising profitability.

Market Reader Pro
Fogelsville (Lehigh County)
Approved Investment: $150,000

Project: Continue to commercialize new, proprietary survey and other reporting tools for use in consumer market research. Utilizing the Internet and innovative technology solutions, the company enables clients to enjoy quick or real-time customer-sourced information turnaround for timely and reliable market analysis at a competitive cost. Market Reader Pro’s client roster includes numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Solid Cactus, Inc.
Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County)
Approved Investment: $150,000

Project: Continue development and commercialization of proprietary software for an e-commerce application directed to Yahoo! Merchant Solutions Store and other major e-commerce platforms. This “Feed Perfect®” software tool allows e-commerce stores to operate more profitably through comprehensive analysis of product inquiries and sales.

Surface Chemistry Discoveries, Inc.
Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem (Northampton County)
Approved Investment: $150,000

Project: Develop low-cost and novel surface preparation and cleaning chemistries for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The main target markets are integrated circuit and liquid crystal display fabrication plants as well as various nanotechnology industries.

Business Infrastructure

Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone
Bethlehem (Northampton County)
Approved Investment: $25,000

Project: Continue financial support of the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ). KIZs provide seed grants to early stage technology companies and bring them close to colleges and universities, supporting student internships and technology transfer. This helps attract new technology companies to the region.

Thermoforming Center of Excellence
Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport (Lycoming County)
Approved Investment: $75,000

Project: Building on the success of the Rotational Molding and Plastics Manufacturing Centers at Penn College, both of which are Centers of Excellence, develop a Thermoforming Center of Excellence at Penn College. Begin to form relationship networks among companies and academic institutions in the thermoforming industry, and assess educational needs in the industry.