2009-11-10 20:53:01 -

Ben Franklin Venture Idol is an event similar to the popular television show American Idol, except with entrepreneurs instead of vocalists. On November 5, 2009 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, three early-stage entrepreneurs presented pitches to a panel of investors and the audience. Led by Venture Idol emcee, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord, the investors asked questions, the

audience voted, and Apeliotus Vision Science was named the winning Ben Franklin Venture Idol. John Edwards, CEO of the company, accepted the prize of a $5,000 cash investment. For more information Mr. Edwards can be contacted at jedwards@apeliotus.com : mailto:jedwards@apeliotus.com

A past recipient of a traditional Ben Franklin program investment, Apeliotus Vision Science has developed a simple diagnostic for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of adult blindness in developed countries, affecting more than 30 million people worldwide, including one in six over age 65 and one in three over age 75. Apeliotus’ simple, non-invasive test can detect and track AMD from its earliest stages, allowing early intervention.

Approximately 250 guests attended the day-long event which began with a “speed dating” session in the morning. Twenty pre-selected companies delivered multiple rounds of two-minute “elevator pitches” to individual, institutional and angel investors. Kathy Blum/CEO of the Winder-based company, Applied Computational Technologies made the “best speed-dating pitch,” which allowed her to present to an audience of 250 in the afternoon session. Applied Computational Technologies, also a Ben Franklin portfolio client, has developed ProACTive™, a next generation dose calculator for radiation treatment planning for cancer therapy. The company’s software eliminates the accuracy vs. speed trade-off that exists with current methods. For more information, see www.appcomptech.com : .

Ben Franklin Technology PArtners CNP provides operational assistance and investment capital to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing businesses for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Contact the main office of Ben Franklin in University Park at (814) 863-4559 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org : .


Ben Franklin Technology PArtners CNPLiz Wilson,

814-898-6650 lizwilson@psu.edu : mailto:lizwilson@psu.edu