PHILADELPHIA, April 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Four innovative and emerging companies and their management teams were honored Tuesday, April 25, 2006 for their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to excellence at the 12th Annual Ben Franklin Emerging Business Awards (www.sep.benfranklin.org). Affectionately known as The Bennies, the Awards program at The Union League in Philadelphia celebrated the achievements of EyeIC, Broadband Energy Networks, Galleon Pharmaceuticals and Nomadio. Another 11 companies were recognized as finalists for the awards.
"We love opportunities to root for our home teams. It is no different when it comes to this annual awards program where we celebrate the accomplishments of emerging businesses and honor the achievements of management teams that help drive and inspire their companies to greatness," RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP), said.
Co-founded in 1994 by The Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia and BFTP/SEP, the Bennies, was the first awards program in the region established for seed and early-stage companies. The event promotes area companies in recognition of their breakthrough technologies, product innovations and management excellence. Each winner received a $1,000 cash prize. This year's event was heightened with the Bennies partnering with the Angel Venture Fair to present special awards to recognize the vital role that angels play in helping young companies to grow and thrive. The awards program followed the 8th Annual Angel Venture Fair that was also held at The Union League at 140 South Broad Street.
Speakers also included BFTP/SEP's Vice President for Investments Terrence Hicks who recognized the work of the judges in the selection process. CBS TV 3's Meteorologist Carol Erickson served as the program's mistress of ceremonies.
The winners of the 2006 Ben Franklin Emerging Business Awards and their categories are:
-- Most Innovative Product/Service Award:
EyeIC (info@eyeic.com), based in Narberth, makes
imaging-based medical devices for detecting disease
progression in glaucoma, mascular degeneration and other
retinal diseases.
-- Best Management Team Award:
Broadband Energy Networks (www.broadbandenergynetworks.com),
of Upper Darby, provides an end-to-end solution and service
platform to the exploding market for energy management for
utilities and for end-users.
-- Biotech Company of the Year Award:
Galleon Pharmaceuticals (www.galleonpharma.com), based in
Philadelphia, is developing a portfolio of novel medicines
for sleep apnea and other breathing control disorders.
-- MAIN Fastest Growing Minority Company Award:
Nomadio (www.nomadio.net), of Philadelphia, develops and
markets state-of-the-art control and telemetry systems that
are used in small unmanned ground and air vehicles and
robots.
Premier sponsors were SR One Limited, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Minority Angel Investor Network (MAIN), a BFTP/SEP initiative. CBIZ was the silver sponsor and several other companies also helped to sponsor the event.
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Since 1982, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) has served as a catalyst for stimulating entrepreneurial potential with the integration of scientific discovery and technology development and through initiatives that accelerate commercialization. Part of a statewide network in Pennsylvania, BFTP/SEP provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, talent, and expertise they need to compete in the global marketplace. BFTP/SEP has provided more than $110 million to over 1,400 regional enterprises through various funding means. BFTP/SEP is a founding partner of the Nanotechnology Institute(tm) (NTI) and the Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Alliance (MANA(r)) and is funded by Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development.