Penn State News

Education alumna's publishing company helping to make knowledge more accessible

September 28, 2023

Adelina Hristova, who earned her doctor from the Penn State College of Education in 2016, launched a marketing campaign for her publishing company through Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank's Digital TestLab accelerator program. She also had her company's mascot 3D printed at OriginLabs, Happy Valley's newest prototyping and fabrication space.

LaunchBox and Innovation Network builds entrepreneurial ecosystem playbook

September 28, 2023

The Invent Penn State team has released a free virtual Playbook entitled “Making Entrepreneurship Accessible in Rural America,” which shares the full narrative behind the building of the network, as well as a compilation of insights from network leaders. 

Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization appoints two new directors

September 28, 2023

Brad Zdenek has been appointed director of economic development and student programs, effective Sept. 25. Steve Carpenter has been appointed director of research startups, effective Sept. 18.

Eight startups selected for fall 2023 FastTrack Accelerator

September 26, 2023

Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank has accepted eight early-stage business startups into its fall 2023 FastTrack Accelerator program. The startups selected range from glowing soap and a modern color vision test, to a Latin American gaming media group, an arts education company and an adventure STEAM summer camp.

'Shark Tank' entrepreneur on latest episode of Dare to Disrupt podcast

September 11, 2023

In the latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast, host Ryan Newman interviews Joe Altieri, "Shark Tank" entrepreneur and FlexScreen inventor and CEO.

Test your startup idea: Apply for Idea TestLab at Happy Valley LaunchBox

August 28, 2023

Applications for the fall 2023 Idea TestLab offered by Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank are open until midnight, Sept. 18. The four-week program helps participants determine if their startup idea can be turned into a viable business.

Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic supports Pa. businesses

August 28, 2023

From bridal shops to board game stores to metal-roofing contractors, over 1,400 small businesses across 64 Pennsylvania counties have received legal support from the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic in the past year alone.

No-cost, virtual short course helps researchers test startup ideas

August 15, 2023

Penn State’s NSF I-Corps Short Course is now accepting applications for its Sept. 29–Oct. 13 cohort. The no-cost virtual program helps researchers test a startup idea through customer discovery and lean startup methodology. Apply by Sept. 15. 

Penn State York student entrepreneur creates all-inclusive dating app

August 8, 2023

Penn State York business major Mary Richardson did not plan on creating a dating app, she said. However, she was determined to create something that would be "label-free" and provide a service to all audiences — especially those who might not feel represented on other dating apps — and moved ahead with the help of York Launchbox powered by Penn State and other resources.

Fintech entrepreneur Doug Wilber on new episode of Dare to Disrupt podcast

August 8, 2023

In the latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast, host Ryan Newman interviews Denim Social CEO Doug Wilber.

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