Five student startups win funding in Inc.U Competition

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Joy Tac LLC, a student startup from Penn State Harrisburg, won first place and $15,000 in the 2025 Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition. As a kickoff to Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC, six student teams from four Penn State campuses pitched their startups to a panel of judges, competing for prizes totaling $30,000 in funding. 

Founded by Erin Godfrey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and kinesiology student at Penn State Harrisburg, Joy Tac aims to revolutionize firearm retention for law enforcement with its patent-pending Single Press Angular Retention (SPAR) system. The SPAR holster is designed to enhance officer safety by improving security without compromising performance in high-risk situations. 

“Receiving positive feedback from people outside the startup was a huge confidence boost,” said Godfrey. “The funding will help us complete product development and cover some patent and legal fees. Even though it was a competition, everyone was very welcoming, supportive, and eager to share advice – it truly felt like a community.” 

Second place, receiving $10,000, was awarded to Orest Luzeckyj Artwork. Founded by Orest Luzeckyj, a business management and marketing major at Penn State Abington, the startup connects customers with high-quality artwork and the artists they admire. 

Third place, receiving $5,000, was awarded to 5South5. Founded by Danny Vitale, a Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications student at Penn State University Park, the startup helps creators, athletes, and influencers grow their audience and monetize their talent. 

The following student startups were also awarded funding: 

• $2,500 People’s Choice Award – Core Carry, founded by Nicholas Nadreau, a Smeal College of Business student at Penn State University Park. The company designs sleek, minimalist wallets for modern lifestyles. 

• $1,000 Startup Spark Award – Bapanada, founded by Brandon Christian Everett, an international business student at Penn State Berks. The startup aims to redefine affordable grab-and-go dining while addressing food security and accessibility. The Startup Spark Award recognizes one campus applicant for exceptional innovation and potential. 

“Every year, we are blown away by the passion and innovation of these student entrepreneurs,” said Joanna Sutton, director of the Inc.U Competition. “It’s incredible to see how their ideas evolve throughout the competition, and we’re excited to continue supporting their journeys as they bring these ventures to life.” 

Prior to the competition, finalists gained access to pitch training and startup support services. In addition, teams received support from the Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic to help establish LLCs and the Penn State Dickinson Law Intellectual Property Clinic for patent and intellectual property assistance. 

The competition can be viewed on the Invent Penn State YouTube channel. 

About the Inc.U Competition 

Inc.U is a signature program of Invent Penn State and an annual showcase of student innovation across the commonwealth. Every spring, the Inc.U Competition awards up to $30,000 in funding to the top six student startup teams at the culminating pitch event that takes place during Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC. This funding, coupled with ongoing pitch training and startup support services, enables student entrepreneurs to take the next step in turning their daydream into a reality.   

Subscribe to the Invent Penn State monthly e-letter to learn more about our programming. 

The Inc.U Competition was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.