2025 Big Idea Contest
Innovations in Elder Tech $35K Big Idea Contest
Have a Idea to Make Aging Better? We Want to Hear from You!
Pennsylvania is home to a growing senior population, and we’re on a mission to make it the best place in the world to age. We’re looking for creative, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs to share their big ideas for improving the lives of seniors. Whether you’re working on a startup, have a concept in development, or just a spark of an idea, this is your chance to make a difference and bring your vision to life!
YOU COULD WIN UP TO $35,000!
Apply by Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM .
The winner will receive:
- Up to $35,000 in cash
- A chance to win an additional $2,500 in the People’s Choice Award
- An opportunity to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 Seed Grant from Ben Franklin
- A guaranteed spot in the business accelerator program
- Business mentoring and support
You qualify to apply if:
- Your business is located in: Adams; Bedford; Blair; Bradford; Cambria; Cameron; Centre; Clarion; Clearfield; Clinton; Crawford; Cumberland; Dauphin; Elk; Erie; Forest; Franklin; Fulton; Huntingdon; Indiana; Jefferson; Juniata; Lancaster; McKean; Mercer; Mifflin; Perry; Potter; Somerset; Venango; Warren; York
- You have not previously received Ben Franklin funding or a cash prize from either a BIG IDEA Contest or a TechCelerator program
- You plan to actualize your idea and commercialize your innovation
- You do not have more than $1,000,000 in annual sales revenue (as an established business)
Contest Rules & Regulations
Contest FAQs
- What type of innovations and companies are the best fit for the BIG IDEA Contest?
- Do I have to have a registered business to apply?
- Do you take equity in my company?
- If I have others working with me, does everyone have to participate?
- How many finalists are selected to participate?
- What is required of contest finalists to compete in the final pitch competition?
- What is the time commitment required?
- How much funding do finalists win?
- How does the People’s Choice Award work?
Special thanks to our sponsors:
As part of a three-year initiative funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, this is the second of three annual BIG IDEA Contests in collaboration with PA Wilds, focusing on counties in the Allegheny National Forest landscape of the 13-county region. The 2024 contest will accept applications from counties in the Dark Skies and Pine Creek Valley landscapes of PA Wilds.
We encourage those with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please phone our Erie office at 814-898-6547 in advance of your participation or visit.
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A Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Initiative.
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