Ben Franklin Technology Partners
About Us
Accelerating technological innovation and economic growth across Pennsylvania for more than four decades.
Who We Are
Ben Franklin Technology Partners accelerates technological innovation and economic growth across Pennsylvania. Through funding, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships, we help startups and established manufacturers turn bold ideas into thriving enterprises.
For more than four decades, we have served as Pennsylvania’s statewide innovation network, providing early-stage funding and hands-on support to companies building the next generation of products, technologies, and industries. Our investments have helped launch and scale thousands of companies and support job creation in every region of the Commonwealth.
Our Mission
To catalyze innovation-driven economic growth across Pennsylvania through investment, partnerships, and support for emerging technologies.
Our Vision
Pennsylvania is recognized as a global leader in innovation and a premier destination for technology-focused entrepreneurs to achieve scalable growth and economic prosperity.
Our Core Values
These principles guide how we invest, partner, and deliver results across Pennsylvania:
Why We Exist
Innovation is essential to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic competitiveness and the strength of its communities. Ben Franklin exists to advance technological innovation by:
Our model bridges public purpose and private sector performance. By de-risking early innovation, we help attract follow-on investment, strengthen regional economies, and power job growth across the Commonwealth.
Our Impact
Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has invested in more than 4,500 technology-based companies across Pennsylvania. These investments have boosted the state’s economy by more than $30 billion and helped generate more than 159,000 jobs through client firms and spinoff companies across the Commonwealth. Independent economic analyses show that for every $1 invested by the State in Ben Franklin, $4 is returned in additional state tax revenue.
These results demonstrate the long-term value of sustained public investment in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic growth.
Explore our full economic impact and results
Who We Help
We help startups build scalable technology companies and established manufacturers advance new technologies that drive long-term competitiveness and job creation in Pennsylvania.
Our Statewide Network with Regional Execution
Ben Franklin Technology Partners operates as a statewide network of four independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, each serving a distinct geographic region of Pennsylvania. Each regional partner delivers localized expertise while operating within a coordinated statewide strategy.
Search our interactive map to identify your Ben Franklin regional partner based on where your company is headquartered in Pennsylvania. Connect with your local team to explore funding, technical assistance, and strategic support tailored to your stage of growth.
Learn More About Our Leadership
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is led by experienced professionals across Pennsylvania who guide statewide strategy and regional execution.
Our Investor Partnerships
Ben Franklin works alongside private venture funds and investment partners to co invest and provide follow on capital for portfolio companies. These relationships help Pennsylvania startups attract additional private investment as they grow and scale.
Pennsylvania’s Commitment
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
Public investment enables us to provide early-stage funding and strategic support to companies others may not support without us. That investment strengthens innovation ecosystems, attracts private capital, and delivers measurable economic returns. We are committed to responsible stewardship of public investment and measurable economic impact across the Commonwealth.
