Penn State News
Hershey Company to sponsor Penn State Land Grant Startup Launch Competition
January 7, 2026
The Hershey Company has announced it intends to serve as a sponsor for the 2026 Land Grant Startup Launch Competition, an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration between Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Accelerate research impact with the Invent Penn State NSF I-Corps Short Course
January 6, 2026
Invent Penn State’s NSF I-Corps Short Course is accepting applications for its virtual January/February cohort. The no-cost program helps researchers test a startup idea through customer interviews and educational programming on the lean startup methodology.
Moving neural implant research closer to commercialization
January 5, 2026
A startup based on research conducted at Penn State is developing a soft, minimally invasive neural implant intended to reduce inflammation and improve communication with the brain for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy or living with paralysis. The team recently participated in the Invent Penn State U.S. National Science Foundation I-Corps regional short course to learn more about how their product might fit in the medical device market.
Software platform for barn managers wins 1st place in Veteran Pitch Competition
December 10, 2025
Reins to Recovery, a consulting and systems-development service that helps barn managers and equine nonprofits operate sustainably, won first place and $4,500 in the 2025 Veteran’s Business Bootcamp Pitch Competition.
Broadway’s premier social media agency founder on 'Dare to Disrupt' podcast
December 10, 2025
The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s "Dare to Disrupt" podcast features Mike Karns, founder and CEO of Marathon Digital, Broadway’s premier social media agency. Marathon Digital creates content and cultivates communities for some of Broadway’s biggest shows, including "Hamilton," "Hadestown," "The Outsiders" and more.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State 2025 inspires entrepreneurs across state
December 3, 2025
From Nov. 17-23, Penn State campuses and their surrounding communities buzzed with entrepreneurial activity during Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State 2025. The celebration offered a wide range of events to spark ideas and bring innovators together.
Penn State collaborative effort aims to accelerate the future of agriculture
December 1, 2025
An innovative interdisciplinary collaboration between Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and the College of Agricultural Sciences will focus on fostering innovation in food and agriculture.
Student startups: Attend upcoming info session on Inc.U pitch competition
December 1, 2025
Penn State undergraduate student teams from any Penn State campus are invited to attend a virtual info session on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. to learn more about applying for the Invent Penn State Inc.U pitch competition.
Brandywine LaunchBox holds second annual LionCage Pitch Competition
November 21, 2025
The Brandywine LaunchBox partnered with the Great Valley LaunchBox and the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Ideas x Innovation Network to present the second annual LionCage Pitch Competition on Nov. 14.
Berks LaunchBox announces seven new 'IMAGINE Your Business' grant recipients
November 19, 2025
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State has announced seven recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development and other essential business expenses.