Ben Franklin Technology Partners is seeking company 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 grants support 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.

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.

"Ben Franklin has more than 25 years' experience in helping early-stage and established companies utilize technology to competitive advantage," said Terry Singer, Director of Statewide Affairs for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. "This additional funding will allow us to leverage this expertise, and enhances our capabilities for portfolio companies in the energy sectors." 

Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

Letters of intent due: March 13, 2009

Full proposals due: April 10, 2009

Download the RFP: http://benfranklin.org/news/view.asp?id=226&cid=1

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