The Structural Critique

Pennsylvania's innovation funding system is broken. Not corrupt—broken.

In FY2025, Innovation Works—southwestern Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Technology Partners regional center—disbursed only 25 cents of every state innovation dollar directly to founders, down from 42 cents in FY2023. The remaining 75 cents funded salaries, overhead, and intermediary services that AI now delivers for $200/month.

This is not a Pennsylvania anomaly. JumpStart Inc., Ohio's equivalent intermediary, operates at approximately 21 cents on the dollar. The 1983-era model—bundling capital with business planning, mentorship, and market research—made sense when those services were scarce. In 2026, they are commoditized. Direct capital is the only resource the state should be providing.

Intermediaries can continue to exist, but public dollars must flow primarily to the entrepreneurs building companies, not the organizations claiming to support them.

The Stakes

Governor Shapiro has proposed $100 million for "Innovate in PA 2.0" in the FY2026 budget. The Pennsylvania General Assembly faces a June 30 constitutional deadline. Secretary Rick Siger has recused himself from all Innovate PGH decisions due to prior board service during a period of material financial control weaknesses. The appropriation structure remains negotiable.

The Methodology

All data sourced from: IRS Form 990 Schedule I (direct grants to portfolio companies), Federal Audit Clearinghouse single audits (state appropriations), Pennsylvania DCED budget documents. The math is transparent. The conclusion is unavoidable.

The Framing

This is a structural critique, not a personal attack. The intermediary model was designed for 1983. It is obsolete. Reform is not about blame—it is about efficiency, accountability, and ensuring scarce public resources reach the founders who create jobs and tax base.

The Engagement

State Representative Joe Shaffer, a first-term legislator and former founder, has publicly engaged with the campaign and offered to push for policy solutions. DCED official Jen Gilburg has acknowledged the feedback. Jordan Harris (Democratic Appropriations Chair) has accepted connection and is being briefed organically.

The Ask

Adopt the 75% direct-to-founder standard as a condition of the $100M appropriation. Make Pennsylvania a national model for efficient, accountable innovation funding in the AI era. Let the forensic data—not politics—drive the policy.

This website is the public archive of that campaign. All findings documented. All data cited. All timestamps preserved.