News
September 28
2023
Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization appoints two new directors
Brad Zdenek has been appointed director of economic development and student programs, effective Sept. 25. Steve Carpenter has been appointed director of research startups, effective Sept. 18.
September 26
2023
Eight startups selected for fall 2023 FastTrack Accelerator
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank has accepted eight early-stage business startups into its fall 2023 FastTrack Accelerator program. The startups selected range from glowing soap and a modern color vision test, to a Latin American gaming media group, an arts education company and an adventure STEAM summer camp.
September 11
2023
‘Shark Tank’ entrepreneur on latest episode of Dare to Disrupt podcast
In the latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast, host Ryan Newman interviews Joe Altieri, “Shark Tank” entrepreneur and FlexScreen inventor and CEO.
September 07
2023
Penn State seeking increased per-student support in 2024-25 funding request
Penn State leaders are requesting increased appropriations for the 2024-25 fiscal year that, if approved by the commonwealth, would narrow the per-student funding gap that exists between Penn State and Pennsylvania’s other public universities. The funding request is being submitted as a part of the commonwealth’s annual budget process.
September 05
2023
Customized integrative arts major prepares alumna for career in music business
Vanessa Sexton, a recent Penn State Abington graduate who is now enrolled in the MBA program at Penn State Great Valley, is quickly advancing in her career thanks to the diverse and marketable curriculum that is only available through Abington’s customizable integrative arts major.
August 28
2023
Test your startup idea: Apply for Idea TestLab at Happy Valley LaunchBox
Applications for the fall 2023 Idea TestLab offered by Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank are open until midnight, Sept. 18. The four-week program helps participants determine if their startup idea can be turned into a viable business.
August 28
2023
Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic supports Pa. businesses
From bridal shops to board game stores to metal-roofing contractors, over 1,400 small businesses across 64 Pennsylvania counties have received legal support from the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic in the past year alone.
August 24
2023
Student founders grow their startups through Summer Founders Program
Invent Penn State’s Summer Founders Program, which provides each student team with a $15,000 grant to work on their startup, social good or nonprofit idea over the summer at Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, concluded with a final startup showcase on Aug. 9.
August 15
2023
No-cost, virtual short course helps researchers test startup ideas
Penn State’s NSF I-Corps Short Course is now accepting applications for its Sept. 29–Oct. 13 cohort. The no-cost virtual program helps researchers test a startup idea through customer discovery and lean startup methodology. Apply by Sept. 15.
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