Vanessa Sexton, a recent Penn State Abington graduate who is now enrolled in the MBA program at Penn State Great Valley, is quickly advancing in her career thanks to the diverse and marketable curriculum that is only available through Abington’s customizable integrative arts major.

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.

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.

Invent Penn State’s Summer Founders Program, which provides each student team with a $15,000 grant to work on their startup, social good or nonprofit idea over the summer at Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, concluded with a final startup showcase on Aug. 9.

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. 

Idea TestLab, a program sponsored by the Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Lehigh Valley LaunchBoxes, has contributed to the success of two growing small businesses. An opportunity for members of the community to explore the viability of their business ideas, the program is starting a new, virtual session in the fall at no cost.

The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State recently announced the pitch winners of its Summer 2023 Pitch Competition: Bapanada took first place, 4G Nutrition took second, and Aquamate and Mindful Roots tied for third place. Total prizes awarded totaled $1,200 in seed funding.

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.

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

Over the past year, the NCPA LaunchBox and its Idea Lab, which offers students, faculty, staff and the community the opportunity to utilize 3D printers, virtual and augmented reality, commercial vinyl printing and more, have seen many changes and have been part of numerous events to help educate the community that they serve.