By Staff Writer
Eleven companies in central and northern Pennsylvania recently received investments from Ben Franklin Technology Partners that will allow them to further develop and commercialize new products and software applications, and stabilize operations in a long-standing manufacturing business.
One of the Happy Valley companies to receive funding approval at the Ben Franklin Technology Partners June 2022 board meeting was Impulse Technology, located in Innovation Park. Impulse Technology developed a prosthetic ankle device, Goralign, that uses a highly non-linear compliant mechanism for real time self-alignment.
“The Goralign PSA adapts to gait and terrain changes in real time,” Impulse Technology’s CEO and co-founder Dr. Kamrun Nahar said. “Lower-limb amputees can turn and twist their legs with ease without the complexities of sensors, actuators and batteries.”
The Happy Valley ecosystem has been vital in helping Impulse Technologies to reach commercialization, along with a boost from the Ben Franklin program. Read the full story here.
X-Hab 3D, located in the CITEL building in State College’s CATO Park, also obtained funding to develop a turn-key 3D concrete printer for the construction industry that can print structures ranging from homes to bridges. The system is made up of expeditionary robots using specialty blends of materials, controlled with proprietary software that can work under harsh conditions to create structures quickly and efficiently.
The company recently received a DARPA grant to develop carbon-neutral material formulations for artificial reefs, and is also using its discoveries to help improve living conditions in Alaska. “We’re partnering with Xtreme Habitats Institute and others to battle the massive housing shortages in Alaska, with 3D-printed housing,” X-Hab 3D’s systems engineering lead Sven Bilén said. Learn more about X-Hab 3D here.
The following nine companies also received funding from Ben Franklin for their innovative ideas:
- AccountAbility Tech in Franklin County
- Alex & Thea in Erie County
- Blind Tiger in Erie County
- Boostpoint in Lancaster County
- CPNet in Dauphin County
- ERApeutics in Lancaster County
- Inspection GO in Blair County
- PSNergy in Erie County
- Snap-tite Hose in Erie County
For 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA has provided startup funding and business support services to tech-based startups and small manufacturers located throughout the state.
