Ryan Jai Hokimi, a senior studying computer science, recently co-founded a startup that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the sales tax refund process for businesses and tax firms. At the Penn State Board of Trustees meeting today (Sept. 6), Jai Hokimi will talk about his entrepreneurial success as a student — for which he gives much credit to the University’s resources, programs and networks.

Through recent support from the College Township Industrial Development Authority, Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank is now able to reach more State College community entrepreneurs through an Idea TestLab program specifically designed to support them.

Makerspace Memberships at OriginLabs are now available at no cost to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at University Park. To register for a free student Makerspace Membership, visit the OriginLabs website and fill out the Free Student Membership registration form.

Jason Warner, the former chief technology officer of GitHub and current co-founder and chief executive officer of generative artificial intelligence company poolside, is the most recent guest on the Dare to Disrupt podcast.

Six teams of Penn State student startup founders recently wrapped up what turned out to be an impactful summer for their businesses. 

Penn State College of Engineering staff members Tyler Henderson and Kate Myers launched AmpliFLY Video, an indoor drone video production company, in March 2024. They participated in Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank’s MVP DevLab to grow their startup.

Teens with an eye toward starting and managing their own businesses learned the basics of what it takes to be an entrepreneur at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s annual Teen Entrepreneur Challenge, held July 28 to Aug. 3.

The Berks LaunchBox recently announced the first five recipients of the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant. Funded by the County of Berks Imagine Berks Fund, this grant provides up to $2,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs to support various business needs such as prototyping, marketing and product development. The initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth within Berks County.

Kevin Mekulu, a doctoral candidate of the Complex Systems Lab in industrial engineering, recently participated in the Invent Penn State regional NSF I-Corps short course program and is currently in the 2024 summer NSF I-Corps National Teams program to begin commercializing DementiAnalytics technology, which aims to revolutionize early detection and management of cognitive impairments through its AI-powered platform.

Penn State’s National Science Foundation I-Corps Short Course is accepting applications for its virtual August/September cohort. The no-cost program helps researchers test a startup idea through customer interviews and educational programming on the lean startup methodology.