On Tuesday, June 2, the TechCelerator at State College held its final presentations and award ceremony. With many talented, innovative teams developing cutting edge technology and services, two companies tied for first place: Future Edge Consulting and Project TEAM. The two companies split the $10,000 award.
This is the seventh class to graduate from the TechCelerator’s 10-week boot camp program. The six companies participating in the spring session made their final presentations before a panel of judges and their peers. Each company discussed the market they are entering, the impact their product or service will have, and how their idea will be profitable for them and future investors. Judges consisted of members of the local community, including Bob Fiori of Fiori Sales Consulting, Dave Stevens, co-founder of Chartlytics, and Paul Sciabica, Executive Director of the New York Angels.
The six graduates included:
BioElastomer LLC indentified a new, eco-friendly, bio-plastic material that is produced using genes from a squid. The material can be used for both civilian and military applications, and the company is currently working with the military to make backpacks.
Future Edge Consulting has developed an app, currently being used in Huntingdon County, that allows EMS drivers to schedule and track emergency management vehicles in real time. This solution has cut response time to emergencies in half, helping to save more lives.
Green Drake Aquatic Labs is a supplier of aquatic insects used to test freshwater sources for toxins.
GreenTowers, LLC has invented a cost-effective vertical farming technology that allows restaurants to grow their own micro greens.
PRL Diagnostics developed a simple, low-cost platform for detecting contaminants in juice products. Their handheld mycotoxin tester is currently set up to test for Patulin in Apples. Currently, testing for Patulin requires in-house equipment that costs more than $100,000, or it must be sent away for testing that can take up to 2 weeks and cost $150. The handheld device produced by PRL can complete the test in just 30 minutes for about $80.
Project TEAM invented a K-6 bullying prevention program which promotes a team-oriented culture and peer invention when bullying occurs. Their program is currently being used in 5 schools in PA and NJ.