Published: 01/22/2020
Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University's Center for Business Ingenuity
The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University’s Center for Business Ingenuity, 900 State St., welcomed four new clients into its headquarters in the fourth quarter of 2019.
ETI is a nonprofit, university-based incubator dedicated to promoting business development through customized mentoring and linking internal and external resources to aid growth.
Here are our new companies:
MochaWallet
MochaWallet, co-founded by Moustafa Elhadary, Jason Fezell and Shihab Hassan, joined ETI in December. MochaWallet is a free software application that is built to help consumers crush debt with pocket change. Users connect a funding source (debit bank account) and a transaction source (debit or credit account). The change from their everyday transactions is then rounded up to pay off various forms of debt. From student loans to medical bills and more, MochaWallet is designed to be an effortless way to manage finances and encourage financial stability.
Abominable Grip Chalk
Abominable Grip Chalk, created by Gannon University senior Ty Mihna, entered ETI in November. Abominable Grip Chalk is a finely powdered magnesium carbonate chalk that is infused with essentials oils. This blend of oils increases the surface area of the chalk, providing a better grip than conventional chalk. This chalk is used by the Ultimate Armwrestling League competitors, rock climbers, power lifters, and average gym-goers alike.
Bayfront Glass, LLC
Bayfront Glass, LLC joined ETI in October. Bayfront Glass is co-founded and co-owned by managing director Nicholas Bruno and technical director John Nowakowski III. Bayfront Glass is registered as a PA Benefit Co. and is bringing glass recycling back to northwestern Pennsylvania. Bayfront Glass collects recyclable soda-lime glass from throughout the country through free public collection events and paid services for business and residential neighborhoods. The glass is then processed into primary cullet and sold to a glass processor where it is cleaned of contaminants and sold as furnace-ready cullet to glass container manufacturing plants. This glass-only collection and processing system supports true “bottle-to-bottle” glass recycling and furthers the development of circular economies.
M2 Additive Manufacturing
M2 Additive Manufacturing joined ETI in September after taking first-place in the Summer 2019 Ben Franklin Techcelerator Programs. M2 is a technology start-up company founded and operated by Michael Gibilterra and Michael Paul. The company expands the capabilities of existing and future 3D printers. This patent-pending technology allows for the printing of custom, flexible parts on demand. The product is already being produced on a small scale and has been validated with five local manufacturers.
Amy Doolan, DBA, associate dean of the Dahlkemper School of Business, said ETI is excited to welcome these new clients.
“One of the unique aspects of ETI is its mentoring and consulting services for all clients, and we can’t wait for our new clients to begin this process with their own individualized mentor teams,” Doolan said. “In addition, being in a university-based incubator, the clients are able to take full advantage of all the academic, business and entrepreneurial resources Gannon has available. Each of these start-up ventures is impressive, and we can’t wait to see their development while they incubate with us.”