Ben Franklin announces $2.3 million in regional tech investments

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Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania reports that it has approved more than $2.3 million in investments during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026. 

These investments will support 16 companies—13 early-stage companies and three established manufacturers—fostering innovative product development, workforce expansion, and operational growth across the region. 

A total of $2.25 million in investments will be made to early-stage companies including: 

Clear Skies Hydrogen, which is a is a climate technology company developing scalable hydrogen refueling infrastructure for heavy-duty transportation. The company focuses on reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen fueling through modular refueling systems designed to provide fleet operators with diesel-like cost and convenience while supporting the transition to lower-emission transportation.  

Hi Yaz, which has developed a multilingual, conversational, omnichannel AI assistant that transforms the clinical intake experience. The assistant guides patients through the intake process by capturing medical information, booking appointments, and generating EMR-ready notes. 

iDEAL Semiconductor, which develops silicon-based, power semiconductors that handle higher voltages increasingly demanded by servers, AI computers, and electric vehicles.  

ImmuNovX Biotech, which is pioneering a platform for rapid, large-scale treatment of DNA pathogens, creating a new class of live-attenuated, replication-defective DNA vaccines.
NovaData Solutions Inc., which is an insurtech firm with an AI-based platform that audits and flags anomalies in property restoration invoices for insurers and adjusters. 

The Varona Co., which offers Ocoa Beauty, a line of luxury hair care products designed to nourish and enhance curls, with a focus on clean ingredients and sustainability. 

SARAS-3D, which develops immersive 3D/VR STEM learning tools (Saras 360) that allow students to explore concepts interactively in a cost-free virtual environment.  

Spacecraft Automation, which develops patented automated drive-thru and walk-up kiosks for QSRs, pharmacies, dispensaries, convenience stores, and more. Their products are designed to streamline item pickup and improve throughput, security, and customer satisfaction. 

Thread Bioscience, which is focused on improving healthcare outcomes by leveraging advanced technologies to provide personalized diagnostic solutions.  

In addition, $68,750 in investments will be made to established manufacturers, incorporating student enrichment work with a college or university partner including:

LifeAire Systems, which designs and installs patented, in-duct medical-grade air purification systems that eradicate up to 99.99% of airborne pathogens and chemical contaminants in a single pass, improving clinical outcomes in healthcare, laboratories, and long-term care facilities.

Reading Bakery Systems, which designs and manufactures industrial baking and snack food production equipment, providing processing systems, engineering expertise, and product development support to food manufacturers worldwide.

Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations, which specializes in silicone adhesive coating solutions for medical devices and advanced wound care applications. They will partner with Lehigh University to develop process documentation and training materials to support future improvements.