PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP), New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology, and Delaware Technology Park were recently awarded a $295,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), to create the Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Alliance (MANA). The award presentation occurred at a special ceremony during the State Science and Technology Institute annual conference held October 13-15 in Philadelphia.
MANA was conceived by the Nanotechnology Hot Team during the Regional Roadmap 2010 process, an initiative of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Philadelphia. "The Mid-Atlantic region is emerging as a nanotechnology leader, with important research, development and industrial initiatives already underway. MANA was established to position the tri-state region (DE, NJ, and PA) as a global hub for the expanded research, development, application, and commercialization of nanotechnology," noted RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, president and CEO of BFTP/SEP.
The two-year EDA grant will facilitate MANA's efforts to secure and attract funding for research, facilities, commercialization and company investments; develop and disseminate information and knowledge for best practices, as well as policy, planning, and investment opportunities, and position the region with a unified message.
Since 1982, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) has helped grow the region through science, technology and entrepreneurship. Ben Franklin provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, talent, and expertise they need to compete in the global marketplace. Like its namesake, Ben Franklin invests in, builds upon and delivers solutions that grow communities and create wealth by supporting today's technological ideas and tomorrow's scientific discovery.
For more information: www.sep.benfranklin.org