If you are a small business, researcher, or entrepreneur, in Pennsylvania or West Virginia focused on developing a new product or service for the shale energy space, you should be gearing up to submit your application soon to the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center’s 4th Annual Shale Gas Innovation Contest.

Applications are due February 1.

Four winners will each be awarded $25,000 for the top shale energy oriented innovations, new product ideas, or service concepts that are either in the development stage or recently launched. A simple online application is available online.

“We also want to recognize the generous support of the Benedum Foundation that once again extends the contest to include West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania,” said Bill Hall, Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center. “We also want to recognize the generous support of the Benedum Foundation that once again extends the contest to include West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania.”

In addition to the cash prizes, successful applicants chosen to participate in the May 2015 Finals event will gain exposure to investors, potential partners, and industry sponsors.

This 4th Annual Shale Gas Innovation Contest is co-sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners,, AquaTech, Chevron Technology Ventures, CONSOL Energy, EQT, First National Bank, GE Oil & Gas, INABATA America Corporation, Little Pine Resources, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, PPG Industries, Praxair, Range Resources, Shell, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Williams, and XTO Energy.

“The innovation contest provides an exceptional opportunity for PA or WV small businesses or entrepreneurs to expose their new technology to many of the leading shale energy companies,” said Hall.  “Our judges are experts in the space, and the opportunity to have your idea vetted by them should not be missed. Through the contest SGICC shines a light on the best new innovations being developed in our region. Any idea or recently commercialized product or service related to the shale energy space is eligible. Examples include natural gas or NGL utilization products or services, novel materials or chemicals to enhance performance or, for instance coatings or materials that prevent corrosion or improve product yield. The industry is also always interested in novel remote site monitoring technologies, well pad EH&S products or services, natural gas or NGL conversion technologies, and water management or remediation technologies.”

Entering the competition is easy, requiring the completion of a simple online application.

1/12/2015