Try Customer Discovery 101
Interested in starting your own business? Get started with our free, online Customer Discovery 101 program today and unlock the potential of your business idea! LEARN MORE
Get Started with Invent Penn State
Undergraduates
Explore entrepreneurship, launch a startup, or grow your leadership skills. Whether you’re just getting started or already building something, we’ll help you take the next step.
Penn State Innovators
Translate your research into real-world impact. Whether you’re filing your first disclosure or ready to launch a startup, we’ll help you protect, fund, and scale your innovation.
Local Startups
Connect with a statewide network of innovation spaces, expert support, and other local founders. From workshops to workspace, we’re here to help your business grow.
Industry Partners
Tap into Penn State’s talent, research, and technology to solve problems, spark innovation, and build strong communities—together.
Investors
Discover what’s next. Engage with promising startups, emerging technologies, and research-backed ventures shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s innovation economy.
Serial Entrepreneurs
Bring your experience to the table—and let us help you launch your next venture. Whether mentoring, investing, or starting again, there’s a place for you in our ecosystem.
Programs
The Brand AcademySupporting student-athletes to leverage their personal brand for entrepreneurial success and endorsement opportunities
Inc.U Competition
Finalist Pitch Event & How You’ll Be Judged 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 23 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
Latest News from Invent Penn State
March 06
2026
National Small Business Development Center Day to feature Nittany Valley Holistic Health
https://psu-gatsby-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/4_3_2000w/public/2026/03/sbdc-day-ps-cms-size-1200x900-correct.png?h=69d8b593&itok=TBIp2SGi
Join Penn State’s Small Business Development Center on March 18 for an inside look at Nittany Valley Holistic Health in celebration of National SBDC Day. The center will highlight Nittany Valley Holistic Health, a multi-service, collaborative wellness space supporting whole-person care and small business growth.
March 03
2026
Create, build, win: Apply for the Dare to Disrupt Design and Build Challenge
https://psu-gatsby-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/4_3_2000w/public/2026/03/db-challenge-ips-site-1194x1000px.png?h=a4d0f45d&itok=fLmUv8D5
Penn State students are encouraged to apply for the Dare to Disrupt Design and Build Challenge — a hands-on, team-based experience for students to turn ideas into real, physical builds using professional prototyping tools at OriginLabs. The application deadline is Thursday, March 12.
February 23
2026
Register to watch students pitch their startups at the Inc.U competition
More News
https://psu-gatsby-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/4_3_2000w/public/2026/02/incu-ps-cms-size-1200x900-correct.png?h=d66e6dde&itok=_sK58wte
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to watch six student teams compete for cash prizes of up to $15,000 at the Invent Penn State Inc.U pitch competition on Saturday, March 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Events
Events Calendar
View All
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.
Learn More
Additional Success Stories
Innovation Spaces Across the Commonwealth
Sign up for the monthly Invent Penn State newsletter