The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP_NEPA) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $252,500 in support of regional economic development. Five companies from BFTP_NEPA’s 21-county service area received funding. Investments identified as a continuation project indicates that the client achieved pre-determined milestones and is receiving more funding to accomplish additional project work.
BFTP_NEPA announces the following early-stage company investments, which are provided in the form of loans with warrants.
GUIDE, Scranton Enterprise Center, Scranton, Lackawanna County
Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000
Complete the development of a new version of GUIDE’s mobile application and commercialize the app to organizations including mid-sized corporations, first responders, and veteran groups. GUIDE provides a wellness and mental health Software-as-a-Service mobile app. The app combines daily, micro-learning practices with a peer support community to improve mental and emotional well-being and provide personal, professional, and community development.
Terra Health Coaching, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000 – continuation project
Complete the buildout of the company’s mobile app, release a desktop version that meets HIPAA compliance standards, and support marketing to Direct Primary Care clinics. Terra Health Coaching is a solution for employers, physicians, and individuals who want to minimize the risk of chronic disease and its associated costs while optimizing health and environmental impact. The platform provides specialist support and helps clients improve their physical and mental health with Lifestyle Medicine. It allows users to learn, track their habits, and communicate with their healthcare team seamlessly, improving adherence and success. Support-Driven Digital Health and Lifestyle Medicine are becoming more permanent components of the healthcare system.
Ben Franklin provides 1:1 matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based innovation in established manufacturers.
BRD Noise and Vibration Control, Inc., Wind Gap, Northampton County
Ben Franklin investment: $25,000 – continuation project
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Center for Supply Chain Research
Develop and implement project management tools, templates, and metrics to improve productivity and efficiency, and enhance customer service and on-time delivery. BRD Noise and Vibration Control specializes in HVAC acoustic design and manufacturing to help architects; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing professionals; acoustical consultants; and design/build contractors in the specification of cost-effective approaches to keep mechanical equipment quiet. The firm also troubleshoots and implements remediation treatments for sound problems in existing construction.
Cast-Rite Metal Company, Birdsboro, Berks County
Ben Franklin Investment: $2,500
College Partner: Northampton Community College’s Emerging Technology Applications Center
Conduct an energy assessment of Cast Rite Metal Foundry to reduce energy costs, reduce the environmental footprint, and foster continuous improvement and profitability at this producer of aluminum sand castings. The firm uses diversified molding processes and only certified aluminum alloys. Clients include commercial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in food processing, transportation, medical/pharmaceutical, utilities, telecommunications, lighting, and other sectors.
Dynalene Inc., Whitehall, Lehigh County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000 – continuation project
University Partner: Lehigh University’s Center for Supply Chain Research
Improve manufacturing processes in the production of de-ionizing filter cartridges, which are used in fuel cells in automobiles. Dynalene will increase efficiencies, improve production yield, and continuously monitor quality to establish itself as a high-volume supplier to automobile manufacturers. Dynalene develops, manufactures, and distributes innovative industrial heat transfer fluids and related accessories.