Penn State Startup Week 2026

Stop by the OriginLabs table to see a variety of 3D print samples, watch an SLS 3D printer in action (it uses a laser to cure photosensitive resin!), and learn about how you can use our additive manufacturing services and other amazing tools for your academic and personal projects.

Step into the world of Virtual Reality at this interactive session during 2026 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC! Join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the HUB for a hands-on experience with cutting-edge VR headsets and discover the exciting possibilities of immersive technology.

Hosted by the Center for Immersive Experiences at Penn State, this session offers a unique opportunity to explore how VR is transforming education, research, and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about VR, come try out the latest innovations and see how immersive experiences can shape the future.

Ready to turn your ideas into impact? Come explore the vibrant world of innovation, leadership, and creativity! Whether you're dreaming of launching a startup, are interested in social impact, or just want to meet like-minded changemakers, this is your one-stop shop to connect with a variety of entrepreneurship-related clubs on campus.

Meet passionate student leaders, learn about club missions and upcoming events, and find the perfect community to grow your skills—and your network.

Table A: HackPSU is a bi-annual collegiate hackathon at Penn State with workshops, speakers, and a community of creators. Join us for an incredible weekend of building, learning, and connecting with fellow hackers from universities across the region!

Table B: For 16 years, Happy Valley Comm has been working with local businesses, non-profits, and other student organizations within the Penn State community. By working to achieve our clients' communication goals, HVC provides Penn State students with real-world experiences. 

Table C: Invent Penn State connects students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to the people, programs, and resources that turn bold ideas into real-world impact — uniting university research, entrepreneurial spirit, and community collaboration to fuel innovation and strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy.

Over One Million Smiles! For over 20 years Jared Boxes have delivered countless smiles, laughter, and hope to children in hospitals nationwide. The mission of The Jared Box Project is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital. A Jared Box is a plastic shoebox filled with small gifts, toys, cards, games, and other fun activities.

Join us to learn more about this uplifting story and make a Jared Box!

The children of Our Lady of Victory School in State College, Pennsylvania, started the project to honor their classmate, Jared. He was a brave little boy who battled cancer with courage and faith that continues to inspire us all. Since then, over one million Jared Boxes have been delivered to over 550 hospitals. Boxes filled with the “gift of play” are given to young patients in emergency rooms, hospital rooms, surgical centers, and clinics. We are a ‘Give Local’ project. Thousands of groups have made Jared boxes for hospitals in their communities. Children and their parents are so thankful for these boxes that showcase the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope, and love. We picked up where Jared left off and share toys with children in the hospital.

This event is completely full and no longer available for registration. 

Join us for a dynamic fireside chat with Alexander “Zander” Isaacson, Co-Founder and CEO of Xeal, a technology-first EV charging company shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure. Gain insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and electric mobility — followed by live Q&A! We’re excited to host Alexander “Zander” Isaacson, a Penn State alum and CEO of Xeal, where he’s pioneering innovations at the intersection of energy, IoT, and real-estate electrification. In this informal fireside chat format, Zander will share his journey from student founder to tech leader, explore trends in EV adoption, and discuss what it takes to scale startups. Bring your questions — we’ll cap off the session with a live audience Q&A. What You’ll Gain: Leadership lessons from a startup CEO Behind-the-scenes of scaling a tech company Trends and challenges in EV charging infrastructure Live Q&A with Alexander Isaacson

Separate Registration Required: https://forms.gle/B7LRsQTH7dVyDeBj9

Trademarks are distinctive symbols, words, or designs that identify and differentiate goods or services in the marketplace. They serve as powerful marketing tools and provide legal protection for businesses. The history of trademarks in the United States offers valuable insights into the nation’s commercial development and the growing importance of brand identity. This session will explore the history of U.S. trademarks and an overview of effective methods for researching historical trademarks. Attendees will learn how to leverage resources such as HathiTrust and the United States Patent & Trademark Office’s Search System to uncover historical trademarks. Librarians will leave better equipped to assist researchers in looking to trace a trademark.

Entrepreneur Todd Kosakowski recounts his successes (and some failures)during his career developing and owning restaurants.

This event is full and no longer available for registration. 

Entrepreneurship is often glamorized. Rarely is it discussed honestly. This private dinner brings together active founders and a curated group of students who are genuinely curious about entrepreneurship as a potential career path. The purpose of the evening is transparency: What does building a company actually require? What are the real trade-offs? What does success truly cost? Who should not pursue entrepreneurship? Seats are intentionally limited to protect the quality of conversation. Students are selected based on seriousness, curiosity, and willingness to engage — not resume prestige. This application ensures commitment from everyone in the room. If you are willing to ask thoughtful questions — and ready to hear real answers — complete the application below.