From left: John Siggins, Shale Gas Innovation Center; Dr. Gary Koopman, KCF Technologies; James Garcia, Williams; Jeremy Frank, KCF Technologies; Helen Humphreys, Williams; and Glen Chatfield, OPTIMUM Pumping Technology.
One of Williams’ previous taglines, “Ingenuity Takes Energy,” was truly reflected during our recent participation in a competition that gathered some very talented entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Sponsored in part by Williams, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners and its Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center recently held its third annual 2014 Shale Gas Innovation Contest.
More than 80 entrepreneurs identified emerging technologies and applications to support the natural gas industry, with hopes of accessing capital to accelerate commercial enterprises.
From the initial pool of applicants, a panel of judges that included Williams employee volunteers identified 13 finalists who then came together for final presentations and the chance to win one of four $25,000 cash prizes.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Shale Gas Innovation Contest:
- OPTIMUM Pumping Technology, Morgan, Pa.
- KCF Technologies, State College, Pa.
- TM Industrial Supply, Erie, Pa.
- NG Innovations, Inc., Charleston, W.Va.
The Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center is an initiative that identifies and helps commercialize shale gas related technologies that enhance responsible stewardship of the environment while creating high paying jobs.