News
March 30
2026
AI workshop highlights real-world tools for small businesses
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, students and community members gathered at Penn State Lehigh Valley on March 27 for a hands-on workshop exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to strengthen business strategy, improve decision-making and expand capacity for small teams.
March 30
2026
Student startups win funding in Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition
As a kickoff to Penn State Startup Week, six student teams pitched their startups to a panel of judges, competing for prizes totaling $35,500 in funding in the 2026 Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition. SlammedU, a startup founded by Smeal College of Business student Niklas Restrepo, won first place and $15,000.
March 27
2026
Inaugural Penn State Innovation to Impact Awards recipients announced
Penn State has named the inaugural Innovation to Impact Awards recipients, recognizing faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs and partners whose work exemplifies the University’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
March 13
2026
Education nonprofit executive director on ‘Dare to Disrupt’ podcast
The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast features Jackie Foor, executive director of the Consortium for Public Education. The consortium is a nonprofit that connects schools with partners and resources to help students prepare for their futures.
March 13
2026
Strengthening western Pennsylvania’s innovation and workforce ecosystem
Penn State is strengthening western Pennsylvania’s innovation, manufacturing and workforce ecosystem — which includes collaborative research, education, training and production efforts — by aligning the Penn State Digital Foundry and the New Kensington LaunchBox powered by Penn State more directly within its central research and innovation enterprise.
March 10
2026
Students: See what’s possible at Penn State Startup Week, March 23-27
Penn State Startup Week will return March 23–27, offering five days of hands-on workshops, honest conversations, and meaningful networking opportunities for students across all majors.
March 10
2026
Veterans Business Outreach Center provides programming for incarcerated veterans
The Veterans Business Outreach Center at Penn State is establishing partnerships with state correctional institutions across the commonwealth to help build, grow, and enhance entrepreneurial education programming for incarcerated veterans.
March 06
2026
National Small Business Development Center Day to feature Nittany Valley Holistic Health
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
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.
Sign up for the monthly Invent Penn State newsletter