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The 2024 PA Wilds Big Idea Contest, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga Counties, has announced its finalists, according to a news release.
The finalists, who are competing for $50,000 in prize money and additional support, are:
Brite-Liter, founded by Benjamin Kranz (Hughesville, PA): Brite-Liter introduces a revolutionary tool to enhance literacy retention without the use of blue-light emitting screens. Their high-light projector stimulates cognitive responses, increasing engagement and retention, thus offering a valuable resource for parents and educators alike.
Roambler, founded by Katie Caputo (DuBoistown, PA): Roambler revolutionizes experiential tourism in Pennsylvania by seamlessly connecting adventure seekers with local guides and hosts. Operating as a marketplace platform, Roambler bridges the gap between service providers and consumers in the peer-to-peer web-based economy, streamlining transactions, managing payments, and offering essential communication tools. With a scalable platform, Roambler aims to become the go-to destination for unforgettable guided experiences, making it easier than ever for adventurers to explore the Keystone State.
Woodland Biomass Innovations, founded by Luca Pandolf (Wellsboro, PA): This team aims to transform biomass into sustainable liquid fuels, offering unparalleled efficiency in the conversion process. Their project, currently in the engineering phase, holds promise for reducing carbon emissions while promoting economic development in the region.
Three other finalists are from Renovo, Coudersport and Emporium.
"We are thrilled to announce the finalists of the Big Idea Contest," said Cathy Von Birgelen, director of the Ben Franklin Learning Center, according to the news release. "More than sixty individuals downloaded applications, and the challenging task for the evaluation panel was to select six finalists from the pool of many high-quality applications. We're excited to hear more from each finalist at the final pitch event on June 30."
"These visionary entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of innovation and demonstrate the potential for transformative change in our rural communities here in the Pennsylvania Wilds," LaKeshia Knarr, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director at PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, said, according to the news release. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to supporting their continued success."
For more information about the Big Idea Contest and to stay updated on the finalists' progress, visit cnp.benfranklin.org/bigidea