News
February 06
2026
Penn State researcher turns decades of turfgrass work into startup success
David Huff, professor of turfgrass breeding and genetics at Penn State, recently earned the Research Innovator Award through the College of Agricultural Sciences for the research and entrepreneurial leadership that led to the founding of his startup, PennPoa. To launch his turfgrass startup, Huff utilized Penn State entrepreneurial resources.
January 21
2026
Penn State York LaunchBox to host AI workshop for manufacturing leaders
Penn State York LaunchBox is hosting a hands-on workshop for area manufacturing leaders on Thursday, Jan. 29.
January 16
2026
Internship, hands-on experience makes business bloom for Abington student
Penn State Abington student Alina Ortiz combines creativity and the Abington Experience to grow her floral design business.
January 14
2026
Penn State programs help ‘Changemaker’ make difference, earn recognition
Jakyra Simpson is using Penn State resources to help her grow her business that teaches kids STEM concepts in an innovative and hands-on way.
January 06
2026
Accelerate research impact with the Invent Penn State NSF I-Corps Short Course
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
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.
Sign up for the monthly Invent Penn State newsletter