Founded in 1982 in University Park, Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has invested over $165 million in approximately 2,000 regional enterprises. The firm focuses on all areas of technology and has launched university and industry partnerships to accelerate scientific discoveries to commercialization. They are particularly interested in companies involved in machine learning data, life sciences, supply chain research, fiberglass, waste education and management, and chemicals. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.