Business idea? Apply to Idea TestLab
Apply by July 18th for the fall program, now offered virtually!
- Competitive accelerator for early-stage scalable business ideas
- Win up to $2500 in seed funding in final pitch competition
- Program offers weekly virtual classes + 1:1 coaching support
- Classes are Tuesdays 6-8 pm, September 8th - October 13th, 2020
It’s a good time to start up.
From accelerator programs, to legal advice, to coworking space, we’re here to help.
For Entrepreneurs
Located at the Penn State Harrisburg campus in Middletown, we are the hub connecting Capitol region entrepreneurs to the support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business with a viable plan for growth.
- Startup accelerator bootcamps
- 1:1 coaching and mentoring
- Coworking space
- Elevator pitch competitions
- Legal and intellectual property services
Get Started Building Your Business with Lean Startup ~ June 18th, 6 pm - 7 pm
Learn how to use Lean Startup to get your business going.
Lean Startup process is the gold-standard methodology that helps entrepreneurs de-risk their ventures and get to market quickly. This informative webinar will discuss how to use the Customer Development model - starting with Customer Discovery - to put the process into motion. We'll also discuss the business model canvas and other strategic tools and programs to support the development of your business.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the Idea TestLab startup accelerator fall virtual program can also get questions answered here.
- Thursday, June 18th, 2020, 6 pm - 7 pm
- Free webinar through ZOOM. For login information, please register using the Register Now button.
BIG IDEAS Episode 3: Amma Johnson ~ June 3rd, 2020, 12 pm - 1 pm
Join us for BIG IDEAS Episode 3, featuring Amma Johnson, Founding of AMMA JO Brand
Finding your big idea comes from discovering real problems that real people experience.
In this episode, Amma talks about how she discovered the big ideas that led to the creation of her design business and how she developed her strategy to differentiate her brand in a competitive market. Whether you are an established entrepreneur or just starting out, we all need a little inspiration for how to #getstarted and #keepgoing.
- Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Free webinar through ZOOM. For login information, please register using the Register Now button.
Idea TestLab
Have a business idea? Figure out how to turn it into a viable business. Idea TestLab is a "customer discovery" investigation designed to help you better understand the customer, the problem you're trying to solve, and how to provide value in a differentiated way. This 6-week intensive program will be offered virtually for fall 2020.
- Cohort-based 6 week startup accelerator
- 1:1 coaching
- Win up to $2500 in seed funding
- Free coworking space
Startup Challenge
So you want to be an entrepreneur -- but you have no idea where to start. Maybe you don't have an idea yet. It's never too early to #GetStarted. Startup Challenge is an action-packed weekend accelerator program. Learn, build and pitch a business idea in 48 hours!
- Build and pitch a business idea in 48 hours
- Win prizes in final elevator pitch competition
- Connect with others with business, technical and/or design experience
- All meals, wifi, coffee and workspace provided
Accelerators
Whether you have a business idea to develop or are just starting out, we have an accelerator program that’s right for you. Programs are low- or no-cost and offer chances to win prizes to help get your business idea going. Accelerator programs are by application only.
Coworking Space
Our no-cost, flexible coworking space is open to the public Mon – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Find an inviting space to work, or schedule a conference room for a private meeting.
Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic
Provides a variety of free legal services related to startups.
Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic
Provides entrepreneurs free assistance to determine if they have intellectual property and how to protect it.
Dickinson Law’s “Inside Entrepreneurship Law” Blog
INSIDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP LAW blog provides information on relevant topics for entrepreneurs and their counsel.
Ready to get started?
news & events
Get Started Building Your Business with Lean Startup
May 6, 2020
Free Webinar – June 18th, 6 pm - 7 pm Ready to start your business, but confused where to start? Learn how to use the Lean Startup process, the gold-standard methodology that helps entrepreneurs de-risk their ventures and get to market...
BIG IDEAS Episode 3: Amma Johnson, Founder of AMMA JO Brand
May 21, 2020
Free Webinar – June 3rd, 12 pm - 1 pm Join us for BIG IDEAS Episode 3, featuring Amma Johnson, Founding of AMMA JO Brand. Finding your big idea comes from discovering real problems that real people experience. In this...
Watch the Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs Webinar
March 27, 2020
Missed the Intellectual Property webinar? Watch it here. We had such a great turnout for the April 15th Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs Webinar that we decided to share the video with those who couldn't join us. Watch the live webinar on the Harrisburg...
Watch the Design Thinking Virtual Workshop
April 21, 2020
See what you missed from our May 14th virtual workshop -- watch the workshop video here. Design thinking. You've heard of it. But what *is* it and how can it help you? In this fun, interactive workshop, we'll learn the...
Idea Test Lab Final Pitch Competition winners announced at Penn State Harrisburg
May 19, 2019
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The winners of the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Idea Test Lab final pitch competition have been announced. Held this spring, the final pitch followed an intensive five-week startup course for University and community...
Tools for Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Industry
Our Navigators are built with you in mind. See what Penn State has to offer.
Resource Navigator
The Resource Navigator showcases entrepreneurship and innovation resources in Penn State University communities across Pennsylvania.
IP Navigator
The Intellectual Property Navigator is a showcase of Penn State University’s intellectual property available for licensing.
Startup Navigator
The Startup Navigator is a showcase of startups with Penn State DNA.