Create, Build, and Showcase: Apply for the Dare to Disrupt Design & Build Challenge

UNIVERSITY PARK – Penn State students are encouraged to apply for the Dare to Disrupt Design & Build Challenge – a hands-on, team-based experience for students to turn ideas into real, physical builds using professional prototyping tools at OriginLabs.  

Over two guided build sessions, selected students will design, prototype, and fabricate a visually striking interpretation of the Dare to Disrupt podcast logo — and then showcase it to alumni entrepreneurs, campus leaders, and peers. 

“Dare to Disrupt is a podcast about Penn State alumni who challenged the status quo — who saw problems with the way things were done and decided to find a better way. They took initiative, stepped into the unknown, and built solutions that created real change in their industries and communities. This challenge gives students the opportunity to create a visual representation of that disruptive spirit, and I’m so excited to see what the teams come up with,” said Katie DeFiore, executive producer of the Dare to Disrupt podcast. 

No prior design, prototyping, or entrepreneurship experience is required. This challenge is open to all Penn State undergraduate and graduate students. If you’re curious, creative, or hands-on, this is for you. 

The application deadline is Thursday, March 12, and spots for this challenge are limited. Students interested in designing, building, creating, and connecting with alumni entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. 

By participating, students will: 

• Learn three professional prototyping tools 

• Trotec laser cutters/engravers 

• Kern CNC metal laser cutter 

• Bandsaw 

• Create portfolio-worthy work 

• Collaborate with students across majors 

• Network with alumni entrepreneurs 

• Get a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card 

• Be featured in a professionally produced video 

The Design & Build Challenge will take place during Penn State Startup Week on Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26 from 2–5 p.m. at OriginLabs. The final showcase will take place during the Dare to Disrupt First 50 Club Recognition Reception, an event recognizing the guests of the first 50 episodes of Dare to Disrupt, on Thursday, April 9 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at the Smeal Business Building. Student participants will show off their final prototypes and network with the past 50 guests of the Dare to Disrupt podcast. 

About Dare to Disrupt  

Dare to Disrupt is a podcast from Invent Penn State about Penn State alumni who are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, and the stories behind their success. The podcast is hosted by alumnus Ryan Newman, a graduate of the Smeal College of Business and a Schreyer Scholar alumnus who is now a managing director at Goldman Sachs.    

Past episodes of Dare to Disrupt include interviews with Garry Gilliam, David Rusenko and Jess Weiner. New episodes of Dare to Disrupt are released monthly. Subscribe to Dare to Disrupt on YouTube Music, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

The Dare to Disrupt podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Penn State Smeal College of Business. 

Invent Penn State is a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success.