UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Startup Week will return March 23–27, offering five days of hands-on workshops, honest conversations, and meaningful networking opportunities for students across all majors.
Startup Week provides the opportunity for every Penn State student to explore new ideas, build real-world skills, and connect with Penn Staters who were once in their shoes.
Throughout the week, students will learn from a diverse lineup of speakers and professionals, including:
- Student entrepreneurs
- Venture capitalists
- Former Penn State athletes
- Authors
- Advertisers and marketers
- AI (artificial intelligence) experts
- Forbes' "30 Under 30" honorees
- And many more successful alumni and industry leaders
From career advice to skill-building experiences, students can try something new and discover what’s possible.
Event Highlights
Monday, March 23
Startup Week will kick off with current Penn State students sharing how they transformed their ideas into profitable businesses. Attendees will hear firsthand stories about risk-taking, iteration and what it takes to turn a concept into a sustainable venture.
Tuesday, March 24
Students can visit the HUB-Robeson Center for interactive experiences that include:
- Live 3D printing demonstrations by OriginLabs
- Virtual-reality experiences presented by the Center for Immersive Experiences
- The opportunity to create a Jared Box to brighten the day of a child in the hospital
- The chance to see all the entrepreneurship clubs and resources available to students looking to start their own businesses
Tuesday afternoon includes lunch with Zander Isaacson, Penn State alum and president of two health tech/Neuro Tech startups, Retain and AlzLabs; and a strategic adviser to startups across AI, fintech, energy and real estate technology. Isaacson will offer insight into innovation, leadership and the future of emerging industries.
Tuesday evening will feature “Founders Dinner: Unfiltered,” giving students a seat at the table with experienced founders. At this dinner, students can engage in real, small-group conversations about the realities of starting a business and pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path.
Wednesday, March 25
Penn State alumni will return to campus to share how they turned early ideas and campus experiences into impactful careers. Students will hear from venture capitalists investing in the next generation of innovation, business operations leaders driving growth inside major organizations, and AI experts shaping the future of technology. Attendees will gain insight into how different career paths take shape and how to navigate uncertainty while building professional momentum.
Thursday, March 26
During The Brand Academy’s Lions to Leaders Symposium, hear from former Penn State athletes and West Shore Home founder on how they translated lessons from athletics into successful careers beyond the field and court.
Friday, March 27
Startup Week will wrap up at 3 Dots Downtown in State College with the Student Marketplace. The event will feature student-run businesses showcasing their innovative products and services. Stop by to shop, connect, and support Penn State’s next generation of founders.
About Penn State Startup Week
An integral part of the broader Invent Penn State initiative, Startup Week is a University-wide event that connects students with innovative alumni and pioneers who are achieving success in a variety of industries and disciplines. Throughout the week, students discover, explore, experience and celebrate entrepreneurship.
For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit the Startup Week website. Participants also can engage with and follow Startup Week on Instagram.