Penn State Harrisburg student develops assistive technology device for hospital patients

HARRISBURG, Pa – While working as a nursing assistant, Fan Lin, a recent Penn State Harrisburg graduate, discovered firsthand how small details can make a big impact on a patient’s hospital experience.

With a degree in biology focusing on genetics and development and a goal to pursue a career in medicine, Lin’s experience and education have allowed her to see those in the hospital not just as patients, but as individuals facing some of the hardest moments of their lives.

While tending to patients, she repeatedly noticed how they struggled to reach their cell phones in bed, leading to frustration. Hospital rooms often lack a safe or accessible place for patients to keep their phones. Outlets are out of reach, and devices frequently get misplaced or buried under blankets and sheets.

“When in the hospital, patients can feel like they lose a sense of independence,” Lin explained. “For many, the hospital can be an isolating and lonely place. A cell phone isn’t just a device, it’s a lifeline to loved ones, entertainment, and the outside world.”

“My mission is to advocate for patients, and I believe that no person’s basic human needs should ever be overlooked,” said Lin.

Which is the foundation from which Entertainment Buddy was born.

“Entertainment Buddy is an assistive phone holder with an integrated wireless charger, thoughtfully designed for hospital beds, nursing homes, and wheelchairs. It gives patients reliable, hands-free access to their device. Our mission is to restore comfort, independence, and connection when it matters most,” said Lin.

A nursing supervisor encouraged Lin to design and build the first draft prototype of Entertainment Buddy, which was tested with a patient right in the hospital.

But when it came time to figure out what to do next, Lin hit a wall. She didn’t know how to turn her prototype sketch into a real product and nearly gave up. That’s when her biology professor, Nik Tsotakos, suggested she check out the Harrisburg LaunchBox powered by Penn State.

There, she met Amma Johnson, director of the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, who also oversees the Harrisburg LaunchBox powered by Penn State, who reignited Lin’s excitement and showed her a path forward by providing her access to mentors, business coaching, and funding opportunities.

“One thing I can say about Fan is she has tenacity and grit, and that’s exactly what you need to launch anything,” said Johnson. “It’s not easy to pursue a new idea, especially for a tangible product. It’s a highly technical process full of unknowns. You have to lean into a circle of support and stay committed as an entrepreneur to break through those barriers.”

Johnson describes Lin as “consistent, smart, and determined.” She says Lin makes the most of every coaching session and resource the Harrisburg LaunchBox offers – from industry mentors to workshops, competitions, prototyping help, and more.

“It’s been amazing to see her dive right in and get closer to launching this technology which has value both for hospital patients and people with disabilities,” Johnson added. “Watching her grow has been a joy and her invention is going to help so many people.”

With Johnson’s encouragement, Lin talked directly to her patients to learn exactly what they wanted in a phone holder – an early lesson in customer discovery. Johnson also connected Lin with OriginLabs, one of the Invent Penn State LaunchBox and Innovation Network’s prototyping centers at University Park.

Tristan Hess, Service Bureau Manager at OriginLabs, helped Lin bring her idea to life. Together, they refined her design, experimented with different materials, and ultimately 3D printed the solution.

“Designing Fan’s prototype was a rewarding and enjoyable challenge,” said Hess. “Throughout the process, we focused on maintaining a clean, user-friendly design that balances functionality with visual appeal and ultimately meets the user’s needs in both form and function.”

“After all the ideas and sketches, seeing the prototype was a meaningful moment,” said Lin. “Tristan’s hard work turned my vision into something real. It was the first time I felt that my goal to improve patient care and accessibility in healthcare could truly become a reality.”

Lin has taken full advantage of the broader Invent Penn State entrepreneurial community. During Penn State Startup Week this past spring, Lin and her pitch competition partner, Flandra Berisha, won second place and the Audience Choice Award at the Harrisburg LaunchBox Student Startup Challenge Weekend.

Lin was one of six students awarded the Truist Student Innovator Award and most recently has been accepted into the AgeTech TechCelerator run by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA.

Lin plans to patent the Entertainment Buddy and is exploring manufacturing options for large-scale production. Her goal is to launch locally in Harrisburg and eventually see the phone holder in every hospital and nursing home.

About Invent Penn State

Invent Penn State is a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success. Invent Penn State blends entrepreneurship-focused academic programs, business startup training and incubation, funding for commercialization, and university/community/industry collaborations to facilitate the challenging process of turning research discoveries into valuable products and services that can benefit Pennsylvanians and humankind.  Subscribe to the Invent Penn State monthly e-letter and follow Invent Penn State on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Invent Penn State is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.