news & events

No one sells to everyone. Especially startups. While it may be exciting to think about selling to the masses, startups rarely have the resources, capital, or expertise to pull it off. Plus most businesses that sell across multiple target markets didn’t start out that way. (Remember, Amazon started selling only books). Successful startups work to clearly identify a niche market where they can learn fast, refine their solution, and maximize their limited resources. This key learning can then typically be applied to expanding your reach to other customers.   Why wouldn’t someone use my product? Everyone can. ~ 250 hopeful entrepreneurs...

We always love it when we get articles written about our amazing startups. Five of our startups were recently profiled in both Penn State’s Research magazine and in the Penn State News. Learn more about What’sPoppin, Curiospace, Stockd, OmegaNotes, and Maake Magazine.

Our Ecosystem is Growing You may, or may not, know that Happy Valley LaunchBox is one of a number of innovation hubs across the Commonwealth funded by President Barron’s Invent Penn State Initiative. These innovation hubs are designed to jump-start entrepreneurial activities in campus communities across PA. Each is targeted to help the local community. Some provide co-working space, others maker spaces, and still others education such as with Accelerator programs. Last week, Penn State announced that 4 more innovation hubs have received seed grants of $50,000 to develop centers in their communities. This brings the total count to 17. Abington Altoona...

Project Vive, a fall 2016 graduate of the LaunchBox Accelerator, continues to be recognized for their innovation and passion to help others through their technology-based solution. Giving a voice to the voiceless. Project Vive was started out of the desire to give a “voice to the voiceless” by providing individuals with complex communication needs and low motor control a low-cost speech generation device. So, it’s no surprise that they have been recognized by Cisco as one of the 15 finalists in the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge. The Challenge is designed to inspire and empower a generation of global problem solvers...

Learn from experts (and eat some lunch). Our Summer Speaker Series features experts and experienced entrepreneurs who share tips, tools, and actionable advice to help you engage customers, add value, and increase your chances of success. Select Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 (at the LaunchBox). Each session includes: 35-40 minute “actionable advice” and best practices 20-minute Q&A Afternoon office hours Light lunch Meet 1-on-1 with experts (afternoon office hours available). Want 1-on-1 advice from our expert speakers? Sign up in advance for office hours to dig deeper and discuss your specific challenges with these experts. U P C O M...