PHILADELPHIA, June 4, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Stephen Costantino, Ph.D., who has over 20 years of experience managing and building technology-based businesses, with specialization in the electronics, specialty chemical and energy sectors, has been appointed Vice President of Technology Commercialization for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) (www.sep.benfranklin.org).
At BFTP/SEP, Dr. Costantino will oversee and manage the physical sciences activities of Ben Franklin's Technology Commercialization Group (TCG). The TCG works with regional enterprises to define new products for development and commercialization, identify the solutions team, and provide funding. The TCG helps enterprises identify the appropriate resources within BFTP/SEP's Technology Commercialization Network, which is comprised of 21 member colleges, universities, and research institutions as well as private providers. The Technology Commercialization Group also develops industry/university/government research and development consortia for technology growth.
Dr. Costantino will also lead the formulation of the BFTP/SEP's emerging strategies in the energy/clean technologies arena, and will support the Ben Franklin Technology Partners in the development of a statewide approach.
"We are very excited to have Steve join our team," said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of BFTP/SEP. "His industry experience and academic credentials insure he will hit the ground running. Steve's role is designed to leverage the region's strengths in the Physical Sciences, and to create platforms for entrepreneurial opportunities in industries rooted in those sciences, much like has been accomplished in the life sciences sector."
Dr. Costantino was most recently the Chief Technical and Operating Officer for Oxane Materials, Inc. of Houston, Texas, a late-stage venture backed company dedicated to applying nano-particle technology solutions in the energy industry. While there, he provided technical, operational and business development expertise to support the organization's research, development and commercialization.
Prior to his work at Oxane, Dr. Costantino spent 14 years with Cabot Supermetals of Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Within the company he grew to Managing Director, Advanced Capacitor Materials Business, and Global Director, Tantalum Research and Development. He reported to the Division CEO and led two distinct organizations. Dr. Costantino had full responsibility for managing the Advanced Capacitor Materials business as well as global responsibility for all research and development activities for the Supermetals Division including operations in both the United States and Japan.
Dr. Costantino earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Science and Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Materials from Penn State University.
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Since 1982, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania has served as a catalyst for stimulating entrepreneurial potential by developing systems to accelerate the transition of scientific discovery and technology development to commercialization. Part of a statewide network in Pennsylvania, BFTP/SEP provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, knowledge and networks they need to compete in the global marketplace. BFTP/SEP has provided more than $130 million to over 1,600 regional enterprises. BFTP/SEP is a founding partner of the Nanotechnology Institute (NTI) and the Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Alliance (MANA(r)), and is funded by Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development. For additional information, visit www.sep.benfranklin.org.