$55,000 Available for Applicants to Develop Alternative and Clean Energy Technologies
HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking applicants capable of accelerating the commercialization of promising alternative and clean energy technologies. Multiple awards of up to $55,000 are made possible through a $250,000 grant provided by the United States Small Business Administration to Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Technology-based companies with less than 500 employees in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible.
The grant supports the costs of applied research activities including, but not limited to, additional technical/laboratory work, additional market and competitive technology research, further examination/analysis of commercialization path options, and implementation of beta tests. In addition, the available funds support development of channel market strategies and full-scale commercialization of new products/processes. For more information on requirements and to electronically download the RFP, applicants can visit www.benfranklin.org or email Terry Singer (tsinger@benfranklin.org). Letters of intent are due to BFTP on March 13, 2009 while full proposals will be due April 10, 2009.
Projects focusing on the following Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) Tier I energy sources receive priority. These include technologies generating energy derived from solar photovoltaic energy, wind power, low-impact hydro-power, geothermal energy, biologically derived methane gas, fuel cells, bio-mass energy and coal mine methane.
“Through this RFP, Pennsylvania’s small businesses will help accelerate the commercialization of promising alternative and clean energy technologies,” said Rebecca Bagley, Deputy Secretary for Technology Investment, Department of Community and Economic Development. “This will help propel the Governor’s overall Energy Independence Strategy forward, growing Pennsylvania’s economy while simultaneously helping to address a major national priority.” The RFP announcement follows the recent opening of the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program announced by Department of Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger last week.
“This will prime the pump for the types of technology development/commercialization projects that we’ll be able to fund through the Alternative Energy Development Program [an element of the Alternative Energy Investment Fund] once funds become available,” said Terry Singer, Director of Statewide Affairs for BFTP.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
ABOUT BEN FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS (BFTP)
Positioned strategically throughout Pennsylvania &ndash with regional headquarters in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College &ndash The BFTP network supports and executes the Commonwealth’s technology agenda, builds on regional strengths, capitalizes on new opportunities and addresses the specific needs of PA’s diverse communities. The BFTPs serves as a catalyst for economic growth by providing access to capital, business expertise and a network of resources to foster innovation, growth and success.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. For more information, visit www.benfranklin.org.
