Collaborative Effort Launched to Boost Entrepreneurship in Central Pennsylvania
Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and White Rose Ventures of York have partnered to support the growth of Athlon, a new business in the region.
CIE serves as an incubator for technology startups in Central Pennsylvania, while White Rose Ventures is an investment firm. By joining forces, these tech-backers aim to co-support more startups in the area.
“We want to elevate entrepreneurs regionally and across the commonwealth,” stated Martin Fedorko, managing partner of White Rose Ventures. “Innovation doesn’t occur just in Silicon Valley. Innovation is ubiquitous. When you have a functioning ecosystem that includes capital and support for entrepreneurs, the sky is the limit for any region and any investor in the country.”
Jay Jayamohan, executive director of the CIE at Harrisburg University, added, “Innovation and entrepreneurialism are a common thread in supporting any community, and we are motivated to bolster this for the Central Pennsylvania region.”
According to a press release, Athlon, co-founded by Christina Milano-Damaskos and Matt Damaskos, aims to create an immersive experience through gamification in augmented reality. Their flagship product, Rallee, an app for K-8th grades, is currently being piloted with two school districts in the Harrisburg area. The app offers ‘bite-sized’ activities that promote physical activity and mental health breaks, leading to more productive classrooms and less disruption for teachers.
“We were drawn to the kids and the mindset of this region,” said Christina Milano-Damaskos. “We knew there was a huge opportunity to support the schools, the children, and the families of this area.”
As part of their mission, CIE aims to foster relationships for startup founders and help them build a network of mentors, experts, fellow entrepreneurs, and investors like White Rose Ventures. They provide support in various aspects of business development, from market validation and product refinement to marketing strategies and scaling tactics.
The collaboration between Harrisburg University, White Rose Ventures, and Athlon reflects the growing trend of early-stage investing in the region. Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA (Ben Franklin CNP), a leading tech-based economic development program that serves all of Pennsylvania, announced their investment in Athlon, further supporting the growth of tech startups in Central Pennsylvania.
“Ben Franklin CNP is pleased with the region’s collaborative support of the Athlon team and believes that their research-backed platform will enable teachers to better assist students in navigating the learning day while improving the students’ physical and mental well-being, a win-win for education in Pennsylvania,” said Joseph Hackett, regional director for Ben Franklin Technology Partners CNP.
This collaborative effort to boost entrepreneurship in Central Pennsylvania demonstrates the region’s commitment to innovation and nurturing local talent. By providing resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities, Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, White Rose Ventures, and Ben Franklin CNP are helping pave the way for the next generation of successful tech startups in the area.
