High-voltage semiconductors. Vaccines. Wound care technology. Ecofriendly and cost-saving hydrogen fueling systems. 
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 $2.3 million in 16 regional businesses, nine 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:
Clear Skies Hydrogen, Orefield, is a climate technology company developing scalable hydrogen refueling infrastructure for heavy-duty transportation. The company focuses on reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen fueling through modular refueling systems designed to provide fleet operators with diesel-like cost and convenience while supporting the transition to lower-emission transportation.
Hi Yaz LLC, Orefield, has developed a multilingual, conversational, omnichannel AI assistant that transforms the clinical intake experience. The assistant guides patients through the intake process by capturing medical information, booking appointments, and generating EMR-ready notes.
iDEAL Semiconductor Devices, LLC, Bethlehem, develops silicon-based, power semiconductors that handle higher voltages increasingly demanded by servers, AI computers, and electric vehicles.
ImmuNovX Biotech, Bethlehem, is pioneering a platform for rapid, large-scale treatment of DNA pathogens, creating a new class of live-attenuated, replication-defective DNA vaccines.
NovaData Solutions, Inc., Bethlehem, is an insurtech firm with an AI-based platform that audits and flags anomalies in property restoration invoices for insurers and adjusters.
SARAS-3D Inc., Allentown, develops immersive 3D/VR STEM learning tools (Saras 360) that allow students to explore concepts interactively in a cost-free virtual environment.
Spacecraft Automation, Bethlehem, develops patented automated drive-thru and walk-up kiosks for QSRs, pharmacies, dispensaries, convenience stores, and more. Their products are designed to streamline item pickup and improve throughput, security, and customer satisfaction.
Thread Bioscience, Allentown, is focused on improving healthcare outcomes by leveraging advanced technologies to provide personalized diagnostic solutions.
Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations, LLC, Hanover Township, Lehigh County, specializes in silicone adhesive coating solutions for medical device and advanced wound care applications. They will partner with Lehigh University to develop process documentation and training materials to support future improvements.
Several of the companies receiving investment are located at the Ben Franklin TechVentures business incubator in Bethlehem.
The investments in Clear Skies Hydrogen, iDEAL Semiconductor Devices, SARAS-3D, and Thread Bioscience were partly financed from Pennsylvania Small Business Credit Initiative funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
(Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations and Thread Bioscience photos by LVEDC)