Centre County, Penn State flex networking, innovation muscle with spring events
Venture & IP Conference
What it is: The Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference on April 28-29 is one of the largest tech startup conferences in the Mid-Atlantic. The conference highlights innovations from high growth and emerging markets including IT, energy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, B2B and B2C among others.
With more than 70 startups and over 40 investment firms represented, the 2022 conference is expected to be an even bigger draw than past years.
Why attend: In addition to a full roster of sessions like “The Secrets to Disruptive Product Design,” there are two events that make the conference noteworthy.
The first is Venture Connection, which features investors hosting tables to meet with entrepreneurs who have been matched with them based on capital needs, industry and other key criteria.
The second is Tech Tournament, a showcase of disruptive technologies and early stage companies born of Penn State’s research enterprise.
The innovators featured in this tournament have begun their journey toward commercialization with a passion for moving their ideas into the marketplace to solve real-world problems.
Bottom line: This conference attracts 600-plus entrepreneurs, industry leaders, commercial partners and investors who are focused on moving world-changing ideas into the marketplace. This is a go-to event for innovation. You can register at pennstatevip.com. Registration for Venture Connection is closed, but you can still attend as a general attendee.
Penn State Startup Week
What it is: Startup Week is a vital link that connects Penn State students with the resources and support from the university and community in areas like supply chain, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Why attend: This weeklong event April 4-8 connects students with innovative alumni and pioneers who are achieving success in a variety of disciplines — through startup initiatives of their own or with new ventures in already established organizations. Past Penn State Startup Week events have featured entrepreneurial workshops; networking events; student pitch competitions; and presentations from startup founders and corporate innovators, including many Penn State alumni.
Bottom line: If you are a student, alum or at the beginning stages of innovation and entrepreneurship, Startup Week is an invaluable tool in exploring how Penn State can help fuel your idea’s success. Find out more at startupweek.psu.edu.
PA Wilds Big Idea Contest
What it is: A contest for entrepreneurs in Centre, Clarion, Clearfield or Jefferson counties. You could win up to $50,000, along with an opportunity to pitch your business concept for an additional $10,000 seed grant from Ben Franklin, and a guaranteed spot in an upcoming business accelerator program.
Why participate: Ben Franklin Technology Partners is in the business of fueling innovation in Happy Valley (some examples are here and here) and the organization has partnered with the Appalachian Regional Council and PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship to offer this opportunity to jumpstart innovation in Happy Valley and surrounding counties. The deadline is April 18.
Bottom line: If you are developing or crafting a product, process or innovation related to the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products or manufacturing and technology, this is an opportunity for seed money, training and vital networking. See more at benfranklinlearningcenter.org/pa-wilds-big-idea-contest.