Contest will award up to $50,000 for a ‘big idea,’ the NCPA LaunchBox can help

DUBOIS, Pa. — The North Central PA LaunchBox is once again joining with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, an award-winning, tech-based economic development program, to offer emerging entrepreneurs and small manufacturers the opportunity to participate in the fun, risk-free $50,000 BIG IDEA Contest. This pitch competition is open to private sector, economic development professionals, and anyone who has an idea for an innovation that could turn into a business opportunity.

Since the contest’s inception, nearly $2 million in cash prizes have been awarded throughout the program’s 32-county footprint in central and Northern Pennsylvania. Winning up to $50,000 will go a long way in helping infuse a startup with much-needed cash — but the pitch experience gained, the training offered, and the contacts made potentially are worth every bit as much as the prize money.

This $50,000 BIG IDEA Contest, starting May 14, is open to tech innovators located anywhere in Ben Franklin’s 32-county footprint in Pennsylvania (Northwest, Central, Southern Alleghenies, and South Central) who are developing new products, processes or software applications.

Visit this link for a complete list of the eligible counties.

Participants who have not previously received Ben Franklin funding, won a prize from either a contest or a TechCelerator Startup Boot Camp, and currently do not have more than $500,000 in sales, are eligible to apply. Visit Ben Franklin’s BIG IDEA webpage for rules and an entry form. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Aug, 23.

For more Information contact Annie Hughes at 717-948-4301 or alh618@psu.edu, or Liz Wilson at 814-898-6541 or lizwilson@psu.edu.

For more assistance in the North Central PA region, contact the North Central PA LaunchBox at 814-372-3020 or ncpalaunchbox@psu.edu.