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.
About Invent Penn State
Wherever you are on the entrepreneurial path, Invent Penn State has resources you can use. Our signature programs and tools can help you start up and grow a business, find licensable technologies and investment opportunities, and get to know the innovation community.
Programs and Events
Startup WeekBringing together the best and brightest 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
PA Innovation Hubs
No-cost co-working space, accelerator programs and business and legal advice for entrepreneurs
Fund For Innovation
Stage gate funding for Penn State’s most commercially promising research and emerging technologies
NSF I-Corps Program
Accelerator programs and microgrants for customer discovery and prototyping
Summer Founders Program
Penn State teams can win $10,000 to work on their startup, social good, or non-profit idea for the summer
Supporting economic development at every level.
Tools
Resource NavigatorEntrepreneurship and innovation resources in PSU communities across PA
Intellectual Property Navigator
A showcase of Penn State’s intellectual property available for licensing
Startup Navigator
A showcase of startups with Penn State DNA
Events Calendar
Entrepreneurship and innovation events at PSU campus communities and innovation hubs
Innovation Gateway for Industry
A tool for industry to post research challenges and receive curated proposals from cross-disciplinary Penn State experts
Online resources for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry.
Get Started with Invent Penn State
Undergraduates
Penn State Inventors
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.
News & Events
Latest News from Invent Penn State
August 23
2019
SBIR Road Tour coming to University Park on Sept. 19
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s national SBIR Road Tour is coming to Penn State’s University Park campus on Sept. 19 as part of a 16-stop tour to connect entrepreneurs working on advanced technology to the country’s largest source of early stage funding — the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
August 13
2019
$50,000, 5 teams, 1 summer – Summer Founders Program results
A signature program of Invent Penn State, the Summer Founders Program is a 13-week accelerator that provides teams $10,000 in funding, resources and mentorship to accelerate their ideas over the summer. Teams work full time on their startup, attend weekly dinners and meet regularly with advisers throughout the summer. The program does not take ownership or equity in participants’ businesses or nonprofits. All that’s asked is participants commit to working hard on their project for the summer and making an impact in their community.
August 12
2019
From fire safety to lending money, FastTrack startup teams pursue solutions
More News
Several new startups launched by community and student entrepreneurs recently graduated from the Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank FastTrack Accelerator. Their ideas spanned acne treatment; a better way to find a tech dream job or sublet an apartment; and a Smoke Shield System that increases the amount of time someone trapped in a fire can survive while waiting to be rescued.
Events
Events Calendar
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Oct
03
Innovators & Investors Meet Here
October 3 & 4, 2019
Join more than 700 innovators, investors and influencers in State College for the third Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference (PSVIP), a rising and prominent investment showcase of ground floor opportunities in emerging and high-growth markets. This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs seeking capital, investors sourcing new deals and influencers who want a first-hand glimpse of cutting-edge innovations.
Register Now
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Innovation Hubs Across the Commonwealth
“The aim of Invent Penn State is to drive job creation, economic development and student career success by connecting researchers with the people who can help bring their discoveries to the marketplace. Penn State is developing a culture that encourages, nurtures and rewards entrepreneurship in all fields of study.”
Dr. Eric Barron
President, Penn State University
