It’s a good time to start up.

From startup accelerators, to legal advice, to 1:1 coaching, we’re here to help.

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For Entrepreneurs

Harrisburg LaunchBox is an entrepreneur's space, 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
Elevator pitch competitions
Legal and intellectual property services

Global Entrepreneurship Scholar Program!

The Harrisburg Launchbox is now accepting application for our Global Entrepreneurship Scholar program. The opportunity is for undergraduate students interested in researching innovation ecosystems.

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Idea TestLab Virtual 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.

5 week startup accelerator
1:1 coaching
No affiliation with Penn State required for application

Key Dates:

Applications now closed.

Stay tuned for next year!

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.

Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic

Provides a variety of free legal services related to startups.

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Intellectual Property Clinic

Provides entrepreneurs free assistance to determine if they have intellectual property and how to protect it.

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Ready to get started?

Advance Innovation in Our Region!

Support the Harrisburg LaunchBox Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fund! Learn more about how to get involved.

Support Our Work!

Support Innovation in South Central PA!

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news & events

2025 Startup Challenge Weekend!

February 17, 2025

Join us for our Startup Challenge Weekend! Join us for an exciting 2-day experience to inspire student entrepreneurs at Penn State Harrisburg! The event features: Opening Night featuring local entrepreneurs Scott and Stephanie Shirley Two student pitch competitions on March 22...

Harrisburg LaunchBox hosts AI in Sales Symposium

February 1, 2025

The Harrisburg Launchbox in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg Professional Sales Education Center hosted the inaugural AI in Sales Symposium on February 12, 2025 featuring keynote Dr. Michael Rodriguez from East Carolina University. View the news story here: https://harrisburg.psu.edu/story/49456/2025/01/29/harrisburg-host-ai-sales-symposium-feb-12

2024 – 2nd Annual Small Business Summit – June 14

May 31, 2024

Join us on June 14 for an incredible power packed day and it's all about SCALING your idea! We'll discuss marketing tips and trends, explore small business resources to grow locally and internationally, plus hear the stories of incredible entrepreneurs...

Join us for April Events on Campus!

April 8, 2024

Join us in April at Penn State Harrisburg for one of the following events: April 10 - 2nd Research and Discovery Day. Join our full day program featuring research, workforce and innovation initiatives in Central PA. Register here. April...

New Tech Meetup of Central PA – April 15

April 4, 2024

The Harrisburg Launchbox is excited to host the New Tech Meetup on April 15! The New Technology Meetup of Central PA is focused on Medical Technology for April 2024. Click here to register! Our Presentations: Michael Zarreii - Axon Medical...

Small Business Summit – 2023!

May 16, 2023

REGISTER TODAY! June 15, 2023 8am - 3pm Location: Penn State Harrisburg 777 W. Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA. Register Now! Join us for the Harrisburg LaunchBox Small Business Summit! We've planned a full day experience for innovators and entrepreneurs...

Winners of Winter 2022 Idea TestLab Announced

April 18, 2022

MARCH 10, 2022 - The Penn State Mont Alto, Harrisburg and York LaunchBoxes recently announced the winners of their regional Idea TestLab final pitch competition. The competition concluded a five-week-long virtual business idea accelerator during which eight selected startups received...

2021 Veterans Business Bootcamp Winners Announced

November 19, 2021

Harrisburg LaunchBox is pleased to announce the winners of the Veterans Business Bootcamp final pitch competition on November 17, 2021 at Penn State Harrisburg. The final pitch competition concluded the eight-week long virtual program, in which a select group of...

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...

Watch Design Thinking for Business

August 10, 2020

Couldn't make the webinar? Watch Design Thinking for Business Now What is design thinking and how can it help your business? In this 90-minute, hands-on virtual workshop you will learn the design thinking process and how to apply it to...

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...

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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.

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IP Navigator

The Intellectual Property Navigator is a showcase of Penn State University’s intellectual property available for licensing.

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Startup Navigator

The Startup Navigator is a showcase of startups with Penn State DNA.

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