Ben Franklin TechVentures® plans to expand by adding more laboratory space for early-stage companies in life sciences, microelectronics, and related technology fields.

The expansion will be supported by $4.8 million in federal funding to Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which operates TechVentures in Bethlehem. 

The expansion will convert more than 10,000 square feet of existing space into additional wet labs and/or electronics labs, increasing available lab capacity by more than 50% to meet exceptionally high demand. The project is designed to support emerging areas where life sciences and microelectronics increasingly overlap, including medical imaging, advanced materials, photonics, and semiconductor design.

“This investment is a big step forward for northeastern Pennsylvania’s innovation economy. It helps us refresh and modernize the infrastructure entrepreneurs rely on, retain high-potential companies as they scale here in Pennsylvania, and reimagine how we support founders working at the intersection of life sciences and microelectronics,” said Angelo J. Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“When startups are ready to grow, access to specialized lab space can be the difference between delaying progress and accelerating commercialization. This project will support the high-paying jobs that keep talent in Pennsylvania,” he said.

Ben Franklin TechVentures® has a total of 129,000 square feet of space and provides specialized space and hands-on business support to help technology startups launch and grow. 

(Photo courtesy of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania)