Bethlehem genetics startup wins 2024 Ben Franklin Venture Idol

A startup at Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ Tech Ventures in Bethlehem was the winner of the organization’s 20th annual Venture Idol.

Ilico Genetics is developing the first methylated DNA based molecular test specifically designed for the early detection of gastric cancer, using only a blood sample. The company is a spin-off of Pontificia Universidad Catlica de Chile, a university located in Chile, South America.

Four Ben Franklin Northeast portfolio companies - CatapalloVR, Ilico Genetics, Showcase, and Unity Lab competed for up to $17,500 in prize money.

Three Innovation Awards were given out during the event and winners included:

The R. Chadwick Paul, Jr. Entrepreneurial Achievement Award was presented to Gilson Snow of Selinsgrove Founder and CEO Nicholas Gilson, Founder and CEO.

This award is given to the portfolio company that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit.

The Manufacturing Achievement Award was presented to Production Systems Automation of Duryea President and CEO Michael McHale. This is awarded to the portfolio company that best exemplifies achievement in the manufacturing arena, showing a proven track record of success and an unbending commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in manufacturing

The Frederick J. Beste III Partnership Award was presented to Dr. Rodney Ridley of Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute in Reading. This is awarded to an individual or organization whose strong vision, dedication, and commitment have helped advance the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, aligning with the mission of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Recipients can be portfolio companies, incubator network members, or other economic development partners.

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