Dare to Disrupt - Design & Build Challenge
Build something bold. Learn new skills. Show off your work.
What does disruption look like when you can actually build it?
The Dare to Disrupt Design & Build Challenge is a hands-on, team-based experience where Penn State students turn ideas into a real, physical build using professional prototyping tools at OriginLabs, located in the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
Over two guided build sessions, selected students will design, prototype, and fabricate a visually striking interpretation of the Dare to Disrupt podcast logo — and then showcase it to alumni entrepreneurs, campus leaders, and peers.
No prior design, prototyping, or entrepreneurship experience required. If you’re curious, creative, or hands-on, this is for you.
Spots are limited, apply today!
Come be a part of this hands-on build experience.
What’s In It for You
- Learn three professional prototyping tools
- Trotec laser cutters/engravers
- Kern CNC metal laser cutter
- Bandsaw
- Create portfolio-worthy work
- Collaborate with students across majors
- Network with alumni entrepreneurs
- Chance to win a $50 Visa gift card
- Be featured in a professionally produced video
How It Works
- Apply as an individual student
- Get placed on a team of 3–5
- Attend two hands-on build sessions
- Design, prototype, and fabricate your piece
- Showcase it at the Dare to Disrupt reception
Who Should Apply
- Open to all Penn State undergrad & grad students
- No prototyping or startup experience required
- All majors welcome
- Must attend both sessions + final showcase
Key Dates 2026
- Applications open: Thursday, Feb. 12
- Applications close: Thursday, March 12
- Selected participants notified: No later than Wednesday, March 18
- Session 1: Wednesday, March 25 from 2 – 5 pm at OriginLabs
- Session 2: Thursday, March 26 from 2 – 5 pm at OriginLabs
- Final showcase: Thursday, April 9 from 5 – 6:30 pm at the Smeal Business Building Atrium
Build at OriginLabs
The challenge will be hosted at OriginLabs on the ground floor of the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, 123 S. Burrowes Street in downtown State College.
Participants will be required to wear appropriate shop attire during all build sessions:
- Natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, leather, etc.)
- Closed-toe shoes
- No loose-fitting clothing
- No jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
- No headphones or earbuds
Participating students will complete OriginLabs membership registration and review the shop Rules and Regulations on or before the first day of the challenge.
The Final Showcase
You’ll cap off the challenge by showcasing your work at the Dare to Disrupt First 50 Club Recognition Reception on April 9 — where alumni, entrepreneurs, and campus leaders will be in attendance.
Attendees will vote for their favorite piece, and the winning team will take home a $50 Visa gift card per team member.
New to the Dare to Disrupt podcast? Listen to past episodes HERE to hear from Penn State alumni innovators and entrepreneurs.
Come be a part of this hands-on build experience.