Try Customer Discovery 101
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Additional Success Stories
Programs
The Brand AcademySupporting student-athletes to leverage their personal brand for entrepreneurial success and endorsement opportunities
Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation
Identifying and solving real estate’s most pressing challenges
Inc.U Competition
Undergraduate pitch competition where student startups compete for $30,000 in investment dollars for their companies
LaunchBox & Innovation Network
No-cost coworking space, accelerator programs, and business and legal advice for entrepreneurs
NSF I-Corps
I-Corps provides real-world, hands-on training on how to successfully incorporate innovations into successful products.
Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurs Network
Empowering the entrepreneurial spirit among Penn State alumni.
Startup Leadership Network
Matching Penn State tech startups with seasoned executives who can accelerate their market entry
Summer Founders Program
Penn State teams can win $15,000 to work on their startup, social good, or nonprofit idea for the summer
Supporting economic development at every level.
Events
Global Entrepreneurship WeekCultivates town and gown relationships by celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit across Commonwealth campus communities.
Startup Week
Bringing together Penn State student and alumni entrepreneurs for a celebration of inspiration and ingenuity
Venture & IP Conference
A two-day curated showcase of capital seeking startups and emerging Penn State technologies
Events Calendar
Latest events from Invent Penn State
Tools
Resource NavigatorA searchable inventory of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem resources around our 21 innovation spaces across Pennsylvania
Intellectual Property Navigator
A searchable showcase of Penn State’s top emerging technologies available for licensing
Startup Navigator
A searchable showcase of Penn State legacy companies and ecosystem startups
Online resources for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry.
View the Invent Penn State Economic Development Playbook
Get Started with Invent Penn State
Undergraduates
Ready to jump into the entrepreneurial ecosystem? Whether you are just beginning to explore, or already started a company, we have resources to support your path.
Penn State Innovators
Are you a professor, research associate, or graduate student who recognizes commercial potential in your research? Move your scientific discovery into a breakthrough business opportunity.
Local Startups
Connect with likeminded entrepreneurs. Grow your business with Invent Penn State. The University welcomes collaboration and connection with our local startup neighbors.
Industry Partners
Every business faces challenges. Penn State combines world-class research talent and state-of-the-art technology to help you find solutions to those challenges.
Investors
You are looking for the next big thing. Penn State provides countless opportunities for your involvement–from cutting-edge innovations to the most promising startups.
Serial Entrepreneurs
Jump into your next venture with Penn State partnership. You bring substantial experience. We’ll show you innovative opportunities.
Latest News from Invent Penn State
April 23
2025
Three alumni founders discuss electric-vehicle industry on live podcast
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“Dare to Disrupt LIVE: Innovating the Future of Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure” brought together three Penn State alumni at the forefront of the electric-vehicle industry to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping its future.
April 23
2025
National Small Business Week events designed to support and empower entrepreneurs
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The Penn State Small Business Development Center will celebrate National Small Business Week from May 4–10 with a series of events designed to support and empower entrepreneurs.
April 23
2025
Matt Rhodes awarded inaugural Beecher Loftus Technology Transfer Catalyst Award
More News
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Matt Rhodes, past entrepreneur-in-residence of the Eberly College of Science’s Office for Innovation and managing director of 1855 Capital, recently received the inaugural Beecher Loftus Technology Transfer Catalyst Award at the 2025 Invent Penn State Venture and IP Conference, recognizing exceptional contributions to the commercialization of Penn State research-based technologies.
Events
Events Calendar
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NOV
18
November 18-24, 2024
GEW Penn State, managed by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), celebrates relationships between members of the University and local entrepreneurial communities. Attend virtual presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities geared specifically to entrepreneurs, local startups, innovators, and anyone interested in thinking outside the box.
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