It’s a good time to start up.
From startup accelerators, to legal advice, to 1:1 coaching, we’re here to help.
For Entrepreneurs
Harrisburg LaunchBox is an entrepreneuer's hub, connecting Pennsylvania entrepreneurs to resources to build scalable and sustainable business models with viable strategies for growth.
- Startup accelerator bootcamps
- 1:1 coaching and mentoring
- Workspace
- Elevator pitch competitions
- Legal and intellectual property services
Business idea? Apply to Idea TestLab
Idea TestLab is a virtual startup accelerator program for early-stage entrepreneurs. Get support to build and test your business idea. Win up to $2500 in seed funding.
- Program dates: Tuesdays 6-8 pm, February 16 through March 23, 2021
- By application only. Apply by January 17th, 2021.
- No affiliation with Penn State required for application.
Watch "Get Started Building Your Business with Lean Startup" webinar
If you missed the November 17th webinar, you can watch it here!
If you're ready to start your business, but confused about where to start? This webinar discusses how to use the Lean Startup process, the gold-standard methodology that helps entrepreneurs de-risk their ventures and get to market quickly. This webinar was presented as part of the 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State.
Idea TestLab Virtual Startup Accelerator
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 winter 2021.
Questions about Idea TestLab? Join the November 17th "Get Started Building Your Business with Lean Startup" webinar above. Bring your questions and learn more about customer discovery and lean startup process.
Questions about Idea TestLab? Join the November 17th "Get Started Building Your Business with Lean Startup" webinar above. Bring your questions and learn more about customer discovery and lean startup process.
- 6 week virtual startup accelerator
- 1:1 coaching
- Win up to $2500 in seed funding
- No affiliation with Penn State required for application
Startup Challenge Virtual Idea Accelerator
Build your business idea and craft your elevator pitch in 1 week! Startup Challenge is an action-packed startup intensive for community, students, and professionals with early-stage business ideas..
Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, Startup Challenge gives you the structure and support to build a business model and craft a powerful pitch and compete for prizes!
Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, Startup Challenge gives you the structure and support to build a business model and craft a powerful pitch and compete for prizes!
- Virtual startup-building intensive for early-stage business ideas
- Build your business idea and a powerful pitch in a week
- Win prizes in final elevator pitch competition
- Participation is by application only. Open to any PA-based individual or team. No affiliation with Penn State is required for application
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.
WorkSpace
No-cost workspace is open to the LaunchBox clients (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
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.
Ready to get started?
news & events
Fall 2020 Startup Challenge Idea Accelerator Winners Announced
November 20, 2020
Harrisburg LaunchBox is pleased to announce the winners of the Startup Challenge virtual accelerator final pitch competition on November 14, 2020. The final pitch competition concluded the week-long virtual business idea accelerator, in which a select group of 8 participants...
Fall 2020 Idea TestLab Winners Announced
November 2, 2020
October 13, 2020 The winners of Harrisburg LaunchBox's Fall 2020 Idea TestLab final pitch competition have been announced. The final pitch competition concluded the Idea TestLab six-week virtual startup course for community entrepreneurs, in which participants validate their customer problems...
Harrisburg LaunchBox Idea TestLab final pitch competition winners announced
July 7, 2020
July 7, 2020 MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The winners of the Penn State Harrisburg LaunchBox Idea Test Lab final pitch competition have been announced. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final pitch competition was held virtually following an intensive six-week startup course for University and...
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.