Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
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"Mobilizing the Region Around the Next Big Idea"

More than twenty years ago, we began developing research and commercialization networks for the region's then-emerging biotechnology industry. It became the region's fastest growing technology sector. Today we are at it again with nanotechnology and green/energy efficient technologies.
Initiatives
The Nanotechnology Institute™ (NTI) is the region's first partnership created to accelerate nanotechnology commercialization and company formation. This technology powerhouse, conceived by BFTP/SEP, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, has created a nanotechnology ecosystem in the region. The NTI has helped produce more than 80 Intellectual Property assets, created or assisted more than 13 young companies, and attracted more than $172 million in public and private investment to the region.

The Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Alliance (MANA®) is the nation's first tri-state partnership created to advance nanotechnology. Together, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are highlighting emerging opportunities, marketing the region's capabilities, and attracting significant investments.

The proposed PA Clean Energy Greenhouse will support the Commonwealth's new focus on Energy Independence. BFTP/SEP is increasing investment and creating initiatives around energy-efficient technologies, clean energy, alternative fuels and sustainable materials.

Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZs) are state designated innovation hubs that harness partnership resources and offer special incentives to grow companies. BFTP/SEP has assisted in the development of six regional KIZs, and helps to advance businesses with field staff in multiple zones.

The Philadelphia Navy Yard KIZ is focused on energy, manufacturing, communications and defense.
  • The Building 100 Innovation Center is BFTP/SEP's new headquarters, created by BFTP/SEP, the DVIRC and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, with a focus on engineering and physical sciences as economic generators.

The Bucks County BIO KIZ is focused on biotechnology.
  • The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County is a new research center with an educational campus and technology incubator.

Additional KIZs include the University City KIZ in Philadelphia, the Chester County KIZ, and the BioLaunch611+ KIZ in Montgomery County, all focused on biotechnology. The Delaware County KIZ is focused on defense technologies.

Sector-specific Nano and Greentech e-newsletters are sent to hundreds of recipients, raising awareness of regional opportunities and helping to grow communities of interest.
Technology
The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) offers a flexible funding program for Company, University, and Technology Development activities. For further information, go to the Business Financing Matrix on the the InventPA website and click on the Technology Investments tab.
BioTechnology - By linking the biotech community with federal, private and university resources, BFTP/SEP is helping to position the Delaware Valley as a key biotech region.
Incubators | Commercial Real Estate - Philadelphia area business incubators and commercial real estate providers for high-tech companies.
Regional Financing Source - Public and private funding for technology companies available in southeast Pennsylvania.

Economic Development
Biotechnician Training - An entry-level biotechnician training program implemented by The Wistar Institute and the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) with support from BFTP/SEP.
The Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) - The Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) is an economic development organization dedicated to helping manufacturers in the Philadelphia region compete and grow. For over 15 years, they've been serving the manufacturers in our region through education and training programs, consulting services, government affairs, workforce development, economic development partnerships, executive networking, regional initiative leadership and world-class best practices. No matter what your need, they will try to assist you or connect you with the right resource. The DVIRC is part of Pennsylvania's Industrial Resource Center Network, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Regional Economic Development
Select Greater Philadelphia - Select Greater Philadelphia, is a non-profit, business marketing organization that specializes in streamlining corporate expansions and locations. Select provides businesses looking to expand or locate to Greater Philadelphia complimentary and confidential services.

Select services include providing accurate data about the Greater Philadelphia region, connecting companies to service providers, facilitating site and incentive analysis and acting as a liaison between company representatives and economic developers in this tri-state area (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania).
Team Pennsylvania - A Public/private partnership promoting job creation and retention in Pennsylvania. Lead partners: BFTP/SEP, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center.
World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP)
As of 2002, the export services programs that had been run for approximately 12 years under the aegis of SEPEC (Southeastern Pennsylvania Export Consortium) were transferred into the newly-created World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is a further evolution of the services offered by the Delaware River Port Authority's (DRPA) Export Development unit. DRPA has been assisting businesses with international growth in the Greater Philadelphia region since 1995. The WTCGP is currently housed within the DRPA's headquarters, One Port Center, located along the waterfront in Camden, NJ.

The WTCGP is a member of the World Trade Centers Association, which brings together a network of more than 300 World Trade Centers worldwide. This network helps local companies expand their businesses internationally.

For more information, go the WTCGP's website at www.wtcphila.org, or email: info@wtcphila.org

Chemical
Chemical Heritage Foundation - The Chemical Heritage Foundation serves the community of the chemical and molecular sciences, and the wider public, by treasuring the past, educating the present, and inspiring the future.
Information
Campus Philly - An umbrella organization created to bring people and ideas together around the general theme of "Collegetown Philadelphia." The Campus Philly website helps students develop friendships and professional ties, and grow roots in Philadelphia.
Eastern Technology Council - The Eastern Technology Council serves leaders of more than 700 technology and life sciences companies by providing valuable contacts and capital, and information and education, through a wide variety of events, publications, and innovative services.
Kauffman eVenturing ™ - Geared to those who are building companies that innovate and create jobs and wealth, Kauffman eVenturing is the trusted guide for entrepreneurs on the path to high growth. The site provides original articles, written by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, and aggregates "the best of the best" content on the Web related to starting and running high-impact companies.
Women Inventing Next - A website for high-growth women entrepreneurs launched with funding from Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and maintained with continuing support from BFTP/SEP.

Life Sciences
Pennsylvania Bio - Pennsylvania is home to the continuum of the biosciences - world-class basic research, emerging companies, mature industry and global pharmaceuticals.
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Updated: 07/10/08

©2008 Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Building 100 Innovation Center | 4801 S Broad St, Suite 200
The Navy Yard | Philadelphia, PA 19112
Tel. 215.972.6700 | Fax 215.972.5588 | info@sep.benfranklin.org

Directions to the Navy Yard