The BioCookie, streaming audio, mobile language translation and electronic trucks are among the technologies supported by the $875,000 round of funding raked in by seven companies from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, according to a news release issued on Wednesday.
Investments made from Ben Franklin’s operating funds went to BioSample Solutions ($70,000) in Bethlehem, Pivitec LLC ($70,000) in Coplay, Prova Systems ($35,000) in Carbondale, and RantNetwork Inc. ($50,000) in Bloomsburg.
BioSample will use the money to complete development and begin commercialization of its BioCookie, a new proprietary sample preperation technique for DNA and RNA extraction technology. Pivitec will complete design of four hardware products and one software control application for developing audio streaming and distribution products. Prova manufactures a wireless diagnostic device that allows real-time field management of vehicles. RantNetwork will expand marketing and development initiatives of its Communicator application for language translation in mobile phones.
Ben Franklin made three investments through its Alternative Energy Development Program–Electrikus Incorporated ($150,000) in Bethlehem, Hydro Recovery ($250,000) in Blossburg, ZeroTruck Corporation ($250,000) in Allentown.
Electrikus will use the funds to produce an initial batch of up to 100 refrigerator power backup units and begin marketing. Hydro Recovery will establish a manufacturing plant in Tioga County to treat water used in natural gas exploration. ZeroTruck will complete develoment of its proprietary continuous variable transmission for medium-duty, all-electric trucks.
Joe Petrucci is managing editor of Keystone Edge. Send feedback here.