Patrick Hayakawa, director of the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), presents Michael S. Harrington with the Golden Hammer Award. Since 2013, Harrington has served as board chair of i2n, a public-private partnership that serves life sciences and advanced technology companies.
Just in time for its 10th anniversary, the leading support network for early-stage, technology-driven companies in southeastern Pennsylvania is announcing new leadership as it honors one of its chief supporters and founding members.
Since 2013, Michael S. Harrington has been the board chair of the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), a public-private partnership that serves life sciences and advanced technology companies. Harrington is a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP and was presented with i2n’s Golden Hammer Award, in recognition of countless deals hammered into place, dozens of board meetings gaveled to order, and years of leadership to the startup community. Last year i2n announced its client companies surpassed $250 million in funding raised.
“While Michael will remain an active board member and important part of our innovation support network, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his years of leadership and service,” said Patrick Hayakawa, director of i2n. “With his unyielding dedication, Michael has played a critical role in i2n’s success and impact over the years, not just for our board and staff but for hundreds of entrepreneurs who have relied on our work.”
i2n has elected incoming board chair Guy Fardone, executive chair of Bridgepointe Technologies, and vice chair Christopher F. Wright, shareholder at McCausland Keen + Buckman effective July 1, 2022.
“Mike has helped i2n define and execute our mission, as well as tactical plans to get us where we wanted to go,” said Fardone. “Even more remarkable is how Mike has done this: Through guidance and leadership as a board advisor, as well as hands-on as the true operator he is. We can easily say that i2n simply would not be where it is today without Mike.”
This summer marks i2n’s 10th anniversary. Founded in 2012 as a merger between the Delaware County & Chester County Keystone Innovation Zones, i2n is a public-private partnership that has served hundreds of entrepreneurs and early-stage companies resulting in more than 2,000 direct jobs created, $16.3 million in grants and innovation tax credits, and $257 million in startup capital raised. Serving software, biotech, medical services, digital health, clean tech and additional sectors, funding support includes access to KIZ tax credits (up to $100,000 per year are sellable); pitch coaching and business development strategy; state and federal R&D tax credits; guidance for SBIR and STTR applications; seed and bridge funding from a regional angel network of individual and group investors.
Entrepreneurs interested in becoming involved with i2n and its network of supporters can attend the organization’s free i2n Entrepreneurs Roundtable Series. For information, contact i2n director Patrick Hayakawa at phayakawa@ccedcpa.com.
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. With the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit https://ccedcpa.com/
The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern PA the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.http://www.i2npa.org/
