Success Stories

Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC, which took place from April 4-8, inspired students across the Commonwealth with a wide array of events showcasing and celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship, from expert panels and keynote speakers to workshops and networking opportunities. Startup Week featured more than 65 in-person, hybrid and…
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Penn State ‘96 alum Sean Black entered the real estate world as a high school student – first working for his brother who was a contractor and then becoming fully immersed when he moved to New York after earning his master’s degree. Soon after moving to New York City in…
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Elizabeth Hay, a former business consultant at the Penn State Small Business Development Center, was recently appointed the Jack White Family Director of Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, effective March 28. This role was previously held by Lee Erickson, who is now associate director of economic development and…
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Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC culminated with a celebration of student innovation and entrepreneurship at the Student Recognition and Networking Reception, which took place on Thursday, April 7 at the Penn State Innovation Hub. During the reception, Penn State President Eric Barron congratulated student winners and finalists of…
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CarToCamp and MarRosa’s Old World Cuisine each won $15,000 in funding, splitting the $30,000 overall prize, in the 2022 Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition. Both Penn State student startups were among six finalist student teams that competed in “The Investment,” a Shark Tank-like WPSU production and culminating event of the…
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Six Penn State student startups with representation across three different campuses plus the Graduate School at Penn State have been selected into the 2022 Invent Penn State Summer Founders program. Each student team will receive a $15,000 grant to work full-time on its startup, social good or nonprofit over the…
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Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC returns April 4-8 with in-person, hybrid and virtual events. Students from all Penn State campuses will have opportunities to explore innovation and entrepreneurship, learn from passionate changemakers and connect with industry leaders from diverse backgrounds. In its sixth year as a university-wide event,…
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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…
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Companies and Penn State faculty and staff came together on Feb. 17 at Innovation Park for the inaugural Industry Innovation Summit, which featured panels, speakers and educational sessions that furthered discussion about innovation in industry while facilitating connections between industry and faculty members. The summit, hosted by the Penn State…
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