State College — Thirteen tech-based companies located in the 32-county footprint serviced by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania will collectively receive an investment totaling $2.4 million as a result of the passing of the state budget.  Ben Franklin funding has been utilized for more than a quarter century to help emerging, tech-based companies and manufacturers prove out new technology, hire additional staff and increase their sales/marketing efforts in order to grow and compete in their respective markets. For information on the program and how to apply see www.cnp.benfranklin.org . Ben Franklin’s Board of Directors also approved investments in three Centers of Excellence and four energy-based translational research projects. In the Centre County Region, the companies that received a Ben Franklin investment are: Mission Critical Systems – $200,000 – to further provide innovative, strategic design services for “mission critical” public safety answering points such as 911 systems.  See www.missioncriticalpartners.com Avia, Inc – $250,000 – to further develop an operating platform for consumer electronic devices enabling the integration and delivery of new applications.  For more information, contact Todd Erdley at todd@videon-central.com Envinity, Inc – $75,000 – to continue providing custom designed solutions that enable the use of the most innovative renewable energy products on the market.  See www.envinity.com SilcoTek Corporation – $250,000 – to provide superior coating technology that improves the properties of materials that tend to foul or corrode.  For more information contact Sabah.Dabby@restek.com In the Southern Alleghenies Region, the companies that received a Ben Franklin investment are: AllPure Technologies Inc. – $150,000 – to develop and commercialize aseptic sampling systems for use in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products.  See www.AllPureInc.com In-Shore Technologies – $75,000 – to continue offering full-service IT management such as shared capacity delivery, breach notification management, and the latest in instructional design and implementation.  See www.inshoretech.com GreenTek Building Solutions – $190,000 – for the further development of  patent-pending “green” wall systems and insulated ceilings, flooring and attic insulation.  See www.greentekbuildingsolutions.com In the South Central Region, the companies that received a Ben Franklin investment are: Apeliotus Vision – $200,000 – to obtain final FDA clearance of their diagnostic tool for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration and increase market awareness.  See www.apeliotus.com Energy Wall LLC – $125,000 – to manufacture high efficiency air-to-air energy recovery exchangers with no moving parts, low maintenance, and inexpensive labor and shipping costs.  See www.energywall.com Alcoil – $250,000 – to manufacture brazed- heat, aluminum exchangers for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry.  See www.alcoil.net In the Northwest Region, the companies that received a Ben Franklin investment are: Clarion Research Group – $160,000 – to distribute a patent-pending platform technology that induces bone formation in dental and orthopedic procedures.  See www.clarionresearchgroup.com CE Convergence – $100,000 – to develop an automated method for licensed professionals to maintain their accreditations and continuing education requirements.  See www.ceconvergence.com Ernst Biomass LLC – $225,000 – to further the construction and operation of a biomass densification facility dedicated to the production of switchgrass solid biomass fuel.  See www.ernstbiomass.com About Ben Franklin: 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.  Contact the main office of Ben Franklin in University Park at (814) 863-4559 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org