News
January 05
2026
Moving neural implant research closer to commercialization
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
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.
December 10
2025
Broadway’s premier social media agency founder on ‘Dare to Disrupt’ podcast
The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast features Mike Karns, founder and CEO of Marathon Digital, Broadway’s premier social media agency. Marathon Digital creates content and cultivates communities for some of Broadway’s biggest shows, including “Hamilton,” “Hadestown,” “The Outsiders” and more.
December 03
2025
Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State 2025 inspires entrepreneurs across state
From Nov. 17-23, Penn State campuses and their surrounding communities buzzed with entrepreneurial activity during Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State 2025. The celebration offered a wide range of events to spark ideas and bring innovators together.
December 01
2025
Student startups: Attend upcoming info session on Inc.U pitch competition
Penn State undergraduate student teams from any Penn State campus are invited to attend a virtual info session on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. to learn more about applying for the Invent Penn State Inc.U pitch competition.
November 26
2025
LionCage pitch competitions offered mentoring, prizes for local entrepreneurs
Penn State Great Valley hosted its annual LionCage competition on Nov. 14, with entrepreneurs from the Greater Philadelphia region pitching their start-up companies and competing for prize money. This event was the culmination of a series of six smaller competitions held throughout the past year, with panel discussions and mentoring sessions to help local founders refine their business plans and pitches.
November 19
2025
General Assembly approves Penn State’s 2025-26 state funding
After a delay of more than four months, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed a 2025-26 state budget that includes level funding for Penn State’s general support appropriation. Including this year, Penn State’s general support funding has been held flat at $242.1 million for each of the last six fiscal years and has not increased since a 2% rise in 2019-20.
November 19
2025
Berks LaunchBox announces seven new ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ grant recipients
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State has announced seven recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development and other essential business expenses.
November 19
2025
Berks LaunchBox announces 2025 Idea TestLab pitch competition winners
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State recently announced the winners of its Idea TestLab Pitch Competition in an award ceremony held on Nov. 5. Renaissance Labs earned first place, HT Organic Solutions took second place, and Heintz Tax Service placed third. In addition, this year’s Advisor’s Spotlight Award was presented to Jen Kutchner and Ruby Rodriguez of the Gilded Page.
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