Two Bethlehem companies were among the startups that received funding from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Since COVID-19 forced the shutdown of gyms across the state, some smaller, boutique-style gyms have shifted their focus to virtual classes and training sessions, offering a service to members even though their doors are closed.

With restaurants and other hospitality businesses facing some of the earliest and largest financial losses from COVID-19, one local company established an online resource to help raise more than $200 million for them.

LifeAire Systems, an Upper Macungie Township company that creates in-duct air purification systems that remove airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, is looking to produce more. The company developed the technology for the in vitro fertilization industry and installed it in its first hospital a couple years ago.

Penn State Lehigh Valley has started construction of a $14.4 million expansion project that will include a STEM wing, organic chemistry lab, new dining facility and veteran and adult learner lounge.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced the winners of this year’s Innovation Awards.

Robo-advising and some aspects of artificial intelligence have started picking up in the areas of wealth management and financial advising and banking professionals and other money managers have taken notice.

From now until Jan. 21, state officials are accepting comments for Gov. Tom Wolf’s federally mandated four-year workforce development plan, which seeks to coordinate the efforts of the state's educational institutions, economic development programs and employers of the region’s major industries to create a pathway to optimal employment.

Several local companies earned funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, including Phoenix Hockey USA of Tatamy, which will receive a loan of $25,000 to increase sales through improvements in distribution, direct promotion, and e-marketing.

The pervasive use of voice technology for identity recognition, personal or business orders, paying for goods, accessing financial accounts or collaborating with colleagues near and far, creates the same security minefield as any other personal or business information.