The Brite-Liter has evolved beyond the first iteration of rubber bands and tape, but the tool is still refreshingly simple: it is a handheld device that combines a broad beam of white light with a pointer to trace letters, phonics or words in a printed book, creatively stimulating the visual cortex and maximizing retention.

Woodland Biomass Innovations is the startup aims to remove fallen trees from the forest floor where they are decomposing, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, and blocking new growth, and turning them into gasoline that is chemically identical to existing fossil fuel sources.

The word spread far and wide about the PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest thanks to marketing and promotion from the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) of Clarion University, Gannon University, and Penn State. From social media to in-person information sessions, the organization helped to drive participation across each participating county.

Thompson Farms LLC is a century farm located in Potter County that is known for its dairy, meat, organic vegetables, and wool. Thompson Farms LLC is taking the opportunity to take a bioproduct and turn it into fertilizer and give something back to the soil.

Josh Zucal is developing his biochar solution within his Good Things Growing LLC company. He says that in order to have good produce, good soil comes first.

Building on the region’s legacy of innovation, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship supported the three-year PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest series with a storytelling campaign aimed at connecting local entrepreneurs to the opportunity.