Four Winners Chosen from McNees Accelerator

The J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship recently concluded its third annual McNees Accelerator at YCP. This 8-week program offers new and existing businesses guidance, mentorship and funding to launch or grow a successful business. Dr. Gerry Patnode of YCP served as the program moderator, while session were led by YCP professors and local organizations, including Ben Franklin Technology Partners, White Rose Ventures, and McNees, Wallace, and Nurick.

This year, four businesses were chosen to receive funding:

• Lehr Labs ($3000) - Lehr Labs offers quality 3D printed prototypes, fixtures, molds, tooling, and short run production parts at competitive prices. Lehr Labs uses its expertise and project experience to help customers choose their materials and fabricate their parts.

• Owning My Blackness ($1000) - Owning My Blackness (OMB) is an organization that works to educate, advocate, and elevate for Black students. OMB has expanded to add for profit business called Owning My Blackness Consulting that works with educators to reduce systematic racism.

• Bindr ($1000) - Bindr is the first completely free, nondiscriminatory dating application. Aimed towards the bisexual community, but accepting of everyone, Bindr is made specifically to make people feel able to meet likeminded individuals in a safe and judgement free environment.

• Changing the Narrative ($1000) - Changing the Narrative is an initiative by Tavon Parker to spread positive motivation and messaging to youth in an effort to lead them to success.

The Knowledge Park Now Houses Its First Tenant: MRG Labs' Research and Manufacturing Arm

MRG Labs, which is located in the J.D. Brown Center, has expanded, opening its new "Tribology Research Center" in the Millhouse portion of Knowledge Park.

This research center will house a research project funded by the PA Manufacturing Innovation program, as well as the manufacturing operations of MRG labs.

Rich Wurzbach, President and CEO of MRG Labs, expressed excitement about the new agreement. "We are thrilled to be housing our new Tribology Research Center at Knowledge Park. The location, facilities, and ability to engage YCP students and faculty are ideal for our business needs, and we believe it will help us to grow and thrive in the coming years."

Learn more about MRG's growth and new research center here!