Penn State Startup Week 2026

As part of 2026 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC, stop by 3 Dots in Downtown State College for an exciting showcase of Penn State's most innovative student-run businesses! On Friday, March 27, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, explore a dynamic marketplace featuring over a dozen student entrepreneurs who are turning their big ideas into reality.


From cutting-edge products to unique services, these student founders are redefining entrepreneurship at Penn State.


This is more than just a market—it's a chance to engage with the next generation of entrepreneurs, discover creative new ventures, and be part of the vibrant startup ecosystem at Penn State. Whether you're shopping, networking, or simply curious about the future of student innovation, don't miss this opportunity to experience the energy and ingenuity of Penn State's student entrepreneurs firsthand!


Vendors include:

• Rooted (Lauren Collins) - a microplastic-free tea company
• Now You Know (Joe Laezza) - a game to steer conversations
• The Gallant Art Ability Café (Theres Alfano) - craft items made out of old records
• Vayla (Maya Anderson) - a hair accessory company
• TURF (Owen Rokke) - a clothing company
• Forged Fuel Supplements (Kaan Yucel) - pre-workout gummy helps support energy, focus, and endurance
• Sand Saka LLC (Nick Frederick) - Sand Saka game complete kit
• Wander Babe (Sydney DeMedio) - Travel Clothing and Accessories
  
  
  

Have you ever wondered what SDGs are? How can you incorporate them into E-ship courses? The PSU Biotech Boardroom Pitch competition will show how students from different majors and colleges across Penn State University came together as teams in Biotechnology 459 offered by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department in the Eberly College of Science.

Over the semester, students started by identifying one or more of the United Nations' 17 sustainability development goals (SDGs). Then, they applied their hard and soft skills in the natural and physical sciences, entrepreneurial grit, and global perspectives to develop an innovative solution for these SDGs. The proposed projects were then presented in an elevator pitch to further their ideas, receive feedback, and form teams of people with similar ideas and solutions.

Throughout the semester, after the team formation, students were accompanied by alum mentors and judges from the industry, including entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and healthcare workers.

If you’re looking to move from surface-level understanding to practical, strategic insight about AI, this is a rare opportunity to engage directly, ask questions specific to your work, and exchange ideas in a dynamic, conversational environment.

Hosted by the Fox Graduate School, the Graduate Exhibition is Penn State’s annual community showcase of graduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. This is your chance to experience the incredible scholarship of our students—and play a role in shaping their success!