Penn State soil science PhD candidate launches soil-based paint startup
Be Your Own Boss. Choose Your Own Adventure.
Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey, the College of Ag Sciences and Penn State have people, resources, and programs to help you succeed.
It's never too early to have a conversation with us about your business ideas!
Students can contact Dr. Mark Gagnon, Harbaugh Entrepreneur and Innovation Faculty Scholar.
Have an idea for a new food product? Contact Dr. Dan Azzara, who has coached several student teams through new food production competitions and has extensive experience in food product development as the former Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, The Hershey Company.
Check Out Invent Penn State
See the Invent Penn State website for a variety of student resources:
Getting Started
Take a step, then the next one. Don't be afraid to fail. The trick is to fail fast and learn!
These videos on how to pitch a business idea for a pitch contest like Ag Springboard can get you started. A great pitch leads to funding and other support for your idea.
- Getting Started ~ Tell Your Story
- Getting Started ~ What's the Problem or Opportunity You See?
- Getting Started ~ Know Your Customer: Who's Going to Buy Your Stuff?
- Getting Started ~ Design Your Business Model: How Are You Going to Make Money?
- Getting Started ~ Tell Your Financial Story
Need a Pep Talk?
Check out this entrepreneur's story. “Risk, Fail, Repeat" by Todd Erdley, founder and CEO of Videon in State College. Erdley delivered the keynote talk at Ag Springboard 2017.
