Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Ben Franklin Shale Gas Center Offering $50,000 In Prizes

The Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center is offering a total of $50,000 in cash prizes for the two best shale gas-oriented innovations, new product ideas, or service concepts.
            In addition to the cash prizes, successful applicants will gain exposure to industry sponsors, investors and partners!  The deadline to enter is January 30.
            The categories include: Most Promising Research in a New Technology and Best New Product or Service.
            The Shale Gas Innovation Contest, which is co-sponsored by the Marcellus Shale CoalitionLittle Pine ResourcesChesapeake EnergyFirst National Bank and Schlumberger, was initially announced at the MSC Shale Gas Insight 2011 Conference’s Innovation Expo.
            Mr. Bill Hall, the Director of the SGICC remarked, “This contest has really energized our region’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and researchers to offer up their best concepts related to the shale gas industry. If you have an idea, don’t hesitate to apply. A simple on-line summary is all it takes to get started.”
            To be eligible, applicants cannot have received Ben Franklin funding in the past and must have a presence in, (or plan to re-locate to) one of  32 counties served by Ben Franklin Technology Partners/Central and Northern. 
            To download an application, visit the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation Contest webpage.