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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
January 06
2026
Accelerate research impact with the Invent Penn State NSF I-Corps Short Course
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Invent Penn State’s NSF I-Corps Short Course is accepting applications for its virtual January/February cohort. The no-cost program helps researchers test a startup idea through customer interviews and educational programming on the lean startup methodology.
January 05
2026
Moving neural implant research closer to commercialization
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A startup based on research conducted at Penn State is developing a soft, minimally invasive neural implant intended to reduce inflammation and improve communication with the brain for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy or living with paralysis. The team recently participated in the Invent Penn State U.S. National Science Foundation I-Corps regional short course to learn more about how their product might fit in the medical device market.
December 10
2025
Software platform for barn managers wins 1st place in Veteran Pitch Competition
More News
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Reins to Recovery, a consulting and systems-development service that helps barn managers and equine nonprofits operate sustainably, won first place and $4,500 in the 2025 Veteran’s Business Bootcamp Pitch Competition.
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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Additional Success Stories
Innovation Spaces Across the Commonwealth
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