Penn State Startup Week 2026

Now You Know started as a simple challenge: can you accurately predict how a friend will respond to a scenario or question? That one mechanic exposes how often we assume we know people, and how quickly real conversation opens up when we test those assumptions. In this talk, I’ll share how we turned that insight into a product that students actually want to play.

I’ll walk through the practical steps: validating the concept through live playtests, iterating mechanics to keep it fast and fun, and translating a “feel-good” outcome into something marketable without sounding preachy. We’ll cover what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons that mattered most in building a consumer product from zero. I’m happy to include a quick interactive demo during the session.

Participate with mentors to gain insights and advice on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Join us to celebrate student success and see this year’s winners!

Seperate Registration at: https://forms.gle/5f44b9QNmrjvu7ZM7

Description Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in our world. From the music we listen to and the books we read, to groundbreaking inventions and iconic brand slogans, IP permeates every aspect of our lives. The four main types of IP protection include patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. For entrepreneurs, protecting IP is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Key steps include identifying IP assets, choosing the appropriate form of protection, conducting thorough searches to avoid infringement, filing necessary applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and implementing security measures for trade secrets. Attendees will learn the basic IP differences and how to navigate the complex world of IP protection. This workshop will be held on Monday, March 23rd at 1 p.m. on Zoom and in-person at 201 Davey Lab on the University Park Campus.

Rooted Organics is a microplastic free tea brand created in response to research showing that many conventional tea bags release up to 11.6 billion microplastics per cup. By redesigning the tea bag itself, the company designed a fully plastic free, stitched cotton tea bags to offer a cleaner, more transparent alternative in the consumer packaged goods space.

Collaborate with AI to pitch a new product or service! The Augmented Innovation Workshop explores how to use generative AI in entrepreneurial ventures. Participants will prompt generative AI to pitch new products, and to evaluate product and service innovations using De Bono's Six Thinking Hats. We'll also discuss the ethical implications and challenges of using AI in entrepreneurship and innovation. BYOD (bring your own device)!

Most people try to plan their way to something great. Lance Streuber tried failing his way there instead (accidentally at first, but purposefully later).

In this talk, Lance shares how relentless iteration shaped both his startups and himself. From early ideas that failed miserably, to constant pivots, side projects, and reworks, he learned that progress does not come from getting it right the first time, but from rebuilding again and again. The same approach that turned bad startup ideas into better ones also helped him rethink his habits, mindset, and sense of self.

This talk is not about having a perfect plan. It is about how to prototype your life, choose change when you are stuck, and redo things until they are worth keeping.

Being a student entrepreneur isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real competitive advantage! Students have access to FREE funding, exclusive tools, mentors, and university-backed resources that many founders don’t discover until years into their careers. In this session, I’ll share how starting a company as a freshman allowed me to move faster, reduce risk, and secure over $15,000 in non-dilutive funding while still in school. Attendees will learn about my journey and how to identify and leverage student-specific opportunities, tap into free resources, and build real startup momentum before graduating.