Success Story

  • TechCelerator logo decorated on wall

Apply to TechCelerator @ State College spring bootcamp for chance at up to $10,000

Ben Franklin Technology Partners is accepting applications for its virtual, 10-week TechCelerator @ State College business startup bootcamp, a no-cost opportunity for emerging technology entrepreneurs to turn business ideas into tech startups.

Spring TechCelerator @ State College bootcamp applications are due on March 31. The program, which helps entrepreneurs form viable business models and obtain networking contacts, will run from April 5 through June 14. At the completion of the 10-week bootcamp, successful participants will give a graduation presentation to a panel of local professionals and potential investors for a chance to win up to $10,000 to go toward their startup.

The bootcamp is open to State College-area entrepreneurs as well as Penn State students, faculty, and researchers.

“We have been offering the TechCelerator startup bootcamps for nearly 10 years,” TechCelerator Program Director Bob Dornich said. “I’m proud to say we’ve graduated dozens of entrepreneurial teams that have formed companies, which have generated more than $28 million in revenue and created 350 jobs. It’s been a privilege for me to meet and mentor so many exciting tech startups right here in Centre County and across the Ben Franklin service footprint.”

The bootcamp will cover topics that include customer development, accounting, and startup costs, among other items. One-on-one business mentoring sessions from Ben Franklin’s Transformation Business Services Network and Penn State’s Small Business Development Center are also available at no cost.

In addition, a $1,000 “People’s Choice Award” will be awarded to a startup at the culminating graduation event upon completion of the bootcamp. This award will be voted on by audience members at the event.

Past winning TechCelerator @ State College startups include Vitable Health and The Pursuit By You.

To view more Penn State-affiliated startups, visit the Startup Navigator. To find more entrepreneur resources, visit the Resource Navigator.

About Ben Franklin TechCelerator @ State College

A partnership with Invent Penn State, Ben Franklin TechCelerator @ State College offers startup accelerators and entrepreneurial training for regional entrepreneurs, students, faculty members, and small business owners. The innovative program contributes to an entrepreneurial climate, increases technology transfer opportunities, and helps develop a robust startup culture around State College, Penn State, and the surrounding area.