Applications due noon on Friday, October 14, with Inaugural Companies Selected Joining Incubator on Monday, October 31
PHILADELPHIA (September 23, 2011) – Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA announced today they will be accepting applications from startup companies that are interested in being accepted into the inaugural class of participants in the Project Liberty Digital Incubator, an effort designed to stimulate the establishment and growth of digital media startup companies in the Philadelphia region. The incubator will operate in the headquarters of Philadelphia Media Network (PMN), parent company of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com with the goal of injecting a new culture of innovation in the media sector.
Companies and entrepreneurs pursuing innovative products related to the news media, e-commerce, and mobile applications for smart phones and tablets are encouraged to apply to the program. Applications can be downloaded here. The inaugural six-month incubator class will begin on Monday, October 31 and the deadline for submission of applications is noon on Friday, October 14th.
“The Project Liberty Digital Incubator is a tremendously innovative way to stimulate new digital media enterprise formation. Ben Franklin is proud to bring our business development expertise to the young companies,” said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Ben Franklin.
The Project Liberty Digital Incubator is made possible through a $250,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to Ben Franklin, which will operate the incubator with Philadelphia Media Network, Drexel University and DreamIt Ventures.
“The Delaware Valley is fortunate to have a very active entrepreneur and technology community that is pursuing a range of innovative ideas and products,” said Gregory Osberg, PMN CEO and Publisher. “This incubator provides an opportunity for startups to test the viability of their concepts and make the refinements necessary to bring their products to market. At the same time, Philadelphia Media Network applauds Ben Franklin Technology Partners for incubating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.”
Ben Franklin will provide mentoring and strategic business counsel to the startups and work with DreamIt Ventures, a nationally-renowned Philadelphia-based startup accelerator program, on a secondary seed and support program that will provide a source of applicants for the incubator. Companies selected to take part in the incubator will receive a range of benefits. Philadelphia Media Network, providers of the first Android Tablet bundled with digital media products in the United States, will provide the startups with free office space, utilities, software, and administrative support, as well as provide access to Philly.com – one of the nation’s leading regional news and information portals — as a platform for launching their new products. In addition, Drexel University will provide graduate and undergraduate students with the unique opportunity to work with and move freely between the startup companies and PMN’s established media business.
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a national, award winning model for technology innovation, and a catalyst for Stimulating Entrepreneurial Potential. For more than 28 years, we have invested in innovative enterprises and created commercialization pathways and partnerships that generate wealth through science and technology. We offer entrepreneurs and established businesses the Capital, Knowledge and Networks to compete in the global marketplace. We have invested more than $150 million to grow more than 1,700 regional enterprises across all areas of technology. www.sep.benfranklin.org
About Philadelphia Media Network
Philadelphia Media Network, Inc. (PMN) is the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com. With its multiple brand platforms and integrated print and digital products, PMN is the region’s largest media network and the industry’s technological leader and innovator. The Philadelphia Media Network reaches an average weekly audience of 2.2 million adults – more than the combination of the three evening television news shows or the combination of those radio stations ranked in the top ten during drive-time programming. www.philly.com
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. www.knightfoundation.org
CONTACT:
Jaron J. Rhodes
Manager, Marketing and Communications
(215) 972-6700, ext. 3214
jaron@sep.benfranklin.org
