Underwater adhesives that assist in national defense. Network surveillance systems that protect critical data. Interactive 3D learning platforms that teach future engineers and scientists.
Those are among the promising innovations underway at Lehigh Valley companies that will continue to be advanced with support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Ben Franklin recently announced it will invest $2.1 million in 14 regional businesses, seven of them manufacturers and startups in the Lehigh Valley.
The investments will foster “innovative product development, workforce expansion, and operational growth across the region,” Ben Franklin said in a news release.
Manufacturing is a leading driver of Lehigh Valley’s $55.7 billion diversified economy. About 700 manufacturers produce everything from medical devices and tests to semiconductors and technology to food and beverages to Mack Trucks and Crayola crayons.
Entrepreneurs and early-stage companies play a key role in the regional economy, bringing new products and technologies to market, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. The Lehigh Valley boasts a strong network of support organizations, which assist with everything from free advice to financing to networking opportunities to incubator space.
Increasing the manufacturing sector and supporting entrepreneurs are among the priorities of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) in the organization’s recently adopted strategic plan for 2025-2027.
The manufacturers and startups in the Lehigh Valley that will receive Ben Franklin funding are:
EdgeSentry by LMN Software Corp., LLC, Bethlehem, is a network appliance for monitoring, hardening, securing, and documenting security networks. It learns normal network behavior and flags anomalies, failures, unauthorized devices, and topology changes in real time.
Mussel Polymers, Inc., Bethlehem, develops biomimetic adhesive and coating solutions inspired by how mussels bond in wet environments. Their technology targets “hard-to-bond” wet or underwater use cases, including areas like dental and defense applications.
Otter Hydrotherapy LLC, Bethlehem, makes an underwater treadmill system designed to integrate into an existing pool for aquatic therapy programs. It’s built for portability and uses hydraulic power to keep electricity away from the water.
SARAS-3D Inc., Upper Macungie Township, offers an interactive 3D learning platform that helps students learn STEM concepts through hands-on manipulation of models and simulations. Teachers can customize content, and students can rotate/zoom and explore concepts without material costs or cleanup.
Sea-Gal Technologies Inc., Bethlehem, is developing high data-rate underwater acoustic communication products based on advanced MIMO research. They provide components and integration/services for underwater sensing and communication systems across a range of platforms.
American Millwork and Cabinetry, Inc., Emmaus, manufactures and installs custom architectural millwork, cabinetry, and related casework. They support commercial and institutional environments with tailored build-outs and finish solutions.
D.T. Davis Enterprises (also known as HoverTech International), Allentown, develops safe patient handling and mobility solutions, including air-assisted transfer and lift products used in healthcare settings. Their systems aim to improve patient comfort/outcomes while reducing caregiver strain and injury risk.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is an economic development organization that provides investment capital and business support to innovative startups, manufacturers, and business incubators. Part of a state-funded network, it operates the Ben Franklin TechVentures business incubator in Bethlehem.
(Photos by LVEDC, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania)