Jun 14, 2013

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Ben Franklin TechCelerator@State College is pleased to announce the names of the two winners of its recent eight-week Boot Camp Program for budding tech entrepreneurs. Corey Dillon and Chris Houser, from Innovative Interseeding Technology, were awarded a $7,500 prize, while Lindsay Fairman from FairTech Labs took home a check for $2,500. The prize money was presented by Kevin Irick with SiliconScapes, a previous Boot Camp winner. Corey and Chris developed a three-in-one Interseeder, a machine that helps reduce the time, energy and costs of planting cover crops in corn and soybeans. Cover crops protect the soil and help increase yields, reduce agricultural runoff and increase farm profits. Lindsay Fairman/CEO of FairTech Labs developed “Shelf Scouter,” a personalized household product inventory management system. This on-line and mobile tool helps organize, manage and acquire the day-to-day products used in every busy household. Initially focused on mothers with young children, the tool can easily be adapted to other demographics. Four other startups also successfully participated in the Boot Camp and made final presentations to a panel of local judges: Analytical Flavor Systems, Impulse Technology, Community Vines and Atoptix. Don McCandless, director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator@State College, said, “We had a broad range of technologies in this particular cohort which created very interesting dynamics and conversations. The teams were able to provide each other with varied perspectives on how their products would be perceived by the market and potential investors, which really accelerated the learning and progress of all participants.” To learn more about the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program, or to contact either of the winners, call McCandless at 814-865-2040 or email him at dlm74@psu.edu . Located in the Technology Center at 200 Innovation Boulevard in State College, the Ben Franklin TechCelerator@State College is a partnership among several of the area’s economic development providers including Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County/Centre County Industrial Development Corp.; Penn State’s Small Business Development Center; Penn State’s Office of Technology Management; and Innovation Park at Penn State that offers budding entrepreneurs designated space, loan and investment programs, business support and mentoring services and entrepreneurial training all housed in one location. Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, provides operational assistance, entrepreneurial support and investment capital to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Share this story