News
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.
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.
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