The Latest Invent Penn State News
July 30
2025
Penn State Harrisburg student develops phone holder for hospital patients

While working as a nursing assistant, Fan Lin, a recent Penn State Harrisburg graduate, developed the Entertainment Buddy — an assistive phone holder with an integrated wireless charger designed for hospital beds, nursing homes and wheelchairs. Lin has taken full advantage of the broader Invent Penn State entrepreneurial community to bring her idea to life. 

July 25
2025
Google Pixel technical program manager Anne Pauley on Dare to Disrupt podcast

The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast features Anne Pauley, a technical program manager at Google. She currently leads the implementation of world-class manufacturing processes for the Google Pixel smartphone. 

July 25
2025
Startup works to detect respiratory illnesses through vocal patterns

Using artificial intelligence-driven pattern recognition, TalkingSick — a startup launched based on research conducted at Penn State — analyzes short voice recordings to detect deviations from a user’s healthy voice baseline. These deviations could signal potential respiratory illnesses before physical symptoms appear. The startup team participated in the U.S. National Science Foundation I-Corps National Teams program in June.

July 23
2025
Berks LaunchBox announces seven new 'IMAGINE Your Business' grant recipients

Berks LaunchBox recently announced seven 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.

June 17
2025
State College local grows storytelling business with Happy Valley LaunchBox

State College community member Dawn Ziegerer launched The Great Story Workshop to help leaders and entrepreneurs use storytelling to overcome challenges and become more effective, relatable communicators. To grow her business, Ziegerer connected with Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank.

June 4
2025
Industry Dive cofounders Sean Griffey, Ryan Willumson on 'Dare to Disrupt'

The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s Dare to Disrupt podcast features Industry Dive co-founders and Penn State alumni Ryan Willumson and Sean Griffey. Industry Dive is a digital media company delivering business news and original analysis through targeted newsletters.

June 4
2025
Industry Dive co-founders Sean Griffey, Ryan Willumson on 'Dare to Disrupt'

The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s Dare to Disrupt podcast features Industry Dive co-founders and Penn State alumni Ryan Willumson and Sean Griffey. Industry Dive is a digital media company delivering business news and original analysis through targeted newsletters.

June 4
2025
Penn State Small Business Development Center hosts statewide growth conference

The Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently hosted the annual Pennsylvania SBDC Growth Conference, bringing together SBDC business consultants from across the state for professional development focused on emerging business trends, technologies and resources.

May 27
2025
Making research market-ready: Apply for NSF I-Corps Short Course

Invent Penn State’s NSF I-Corps Short Course is now accepting applications for its June virtual cohort, with an application deadline of Friday, May 30.

May 7
2025
Eight businesses to receive Sharon Economic Development grant funding

The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the City of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, have announced the eight local businesses that will receive a total of $150,000 in inaugural grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.