Get help better defining the problem you’re trying to solve, who has it, and what value you can provide to them.
Our virtual Idea TestLab program includes:
If you’re ready, we’re here to help.
Check out our no-cost resources designed to help you take the next step in launching your startup.
(In keeping with federal guidance, statewide mitigation plans, and recommendations of Penn State Health and safety officials regarding coronavirus, our facility will be closed for in-person use until further notice. However, all our programs and services are available online.)
SET UP A VIRTUAL MEETING
Have an idea?
APPLY
Figure out if you can turn it into a viable business.
- 4, 2-hour online group sessions
- access to up to $3000 for customer discovery for qualified teams
- access to 1-on-1 mentoring
Program open for Summer 2021, offering two sessions. Applications open now for Session 1.
Ready to build?
DETAILS
Figure out what your customer really wants.
If you’ve identified people (other than friends), who want what you’re offering, it’s time to build a solution they can’t resist. Our FastTrack Accelerator program includes:
- 15, 2-hour group sessions
- up to $3000 in funding for customer discovery
- server credits, SOLIDWORKS suite for 1 year, POWr plugins for 1 year
- access to $1500 Market Test Fund grant
- funding for intern for one semester
- weekly 1-on-1 coaching
- 24×7 access to LaunchBox for 1 year
- access to 80+ advisors and experts
Next program Fall, 2021.
Need money to grow?
DETAILS
Get $15K to work on your startup this summer.
Student founders work full-time on their startup, social good, or non-profit over the summer. The Summer Founders program includes:
- $15K grant
- up to $3000 in funding for customer discovery
- server credits, SOLIDWORKS suite for 1 year, POWr plugins for 1 year
- access to $1500 Market Test Fund grant
- funding for intern for one semester
- weekly 1-on-1 coaching and dinners with experts and experienced entrepreneurs
- 24×7 access to LaunchBox for 1 year
- access to 80+ advisors and experts
Applications for our 2022 program open early January, 2022.
Have an idea but not sure where to start?
If you have an idea that you’re thinking about turning into a business, or a business that you’re looking to grow, we’d love to hear about it and help with next steps.
Online Accelerators
Idea TestLab helps you test the validity of your idea and the FastTrack Accelerator helps you test the market and build a sustainable business model.
We take no equity and charge no rent.
LEARN MORE
Business & legal advice
Tap into our network of advisors.
Get expert legal, intellectual property, and business advice at our no cost clinics. Make an appointment and we’ll work with you virtually.
Make Appointment
Coworking Temporarily Unavailable
Unfortunately, our no-cost, co-working space is temporarily closed.
We miss the energy that our co-workers bring to the space and are looking forward to having them back soon.
Take a Tour
Virtual Speaker Series
Sit in on our virtual TOP 5 IN TWENTY-FIVE speaker series and hear experts provide their top 5 recommendations for “breaking in” new tactics to drive you and your business forward – all in 25 minutes.
CHECKOUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL111
Startups Graduated
$2.25M+
In Funding/Awards
22
New Jobs Created
8000+
Cups of Coffee Consumed
Events
Get $15,000 to work on your venture over the summer
January 26, 2021$15K grant, mentors, and free software. If you have a startup that you’re ready to build or grow, check out the Summer Founders program. Startups have access to: Weekly virtual meetings and 1-on-1 ...
MoreBlog
Fall is for “Breaking In” new business models and ways of thinking (and actionable advice).
October 2, 2020Get recommendations from experts in 25 minutes. No doubt if you’re a business owner, you’re having to figure out how to re-think your business. The world and business have changed. From ...
MoreSpotlight
Summer Founder startup bringing STEM to young women
January 26, 2021Penn State startup encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. We were excited to see the Girls Code the World startup, alumni of our Summer Founders program, spotlighted by Penn ...
MoreEntrepreneur Assistance Law Clinic
The Entrepreneur Assistance Law Clinic provides no-cost advice on on legal matters including:
- Business/entity formation
- Founder agreements
- Employee agreements and management
- Investor term sheets
Get the latest info for entrepreneurs and their counsel on the “Inside Entrepreneurship Law” blog.
SETUP AN VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTIntellectual Property Law Clinic
Under the direction and guidance of the Clinic Director, the IP Clinic’s law students provide no-cost advice on various matters, including:
- General intellectual property counseling
- Performing patentability and trademark clearance searches
- Drafting patent and trademark applications, and interacting with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office