Posted: February 11, 2019

Ag Springboard — a GREAT opportunity for students to learn how to pitch ideas and compete to win $7,500!!!

Hunter Swisher, 2016 Plant Sciences graduate, CEO and Founder, Phospholutions (left) and Dr. Mark Gagnon, Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Scholar and Entrepreneurship Coordinator.

Hunter Swisher, 2016 Plant Sciences graduate, CEO and Founder, Phospholutions (left) and Dr. Mark Gagnon, Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Scholar and Entrepreneurship Coordinator.

Interested in running your own vet practice or environmental consulting firm?

Or starting a non-profit. Creating a new food product. Finding creative solutions. Developing new products.

Entrepreneurship is all of that -- and a mindset of creativity and problem-solving that leads to career success.

Signup for the Ag Springboard business pitch contest to learn about pitching and entrepreneurship.

Compete to win $7,500 to help your venture become a reality.

"There's nothing to lose," says Hunter Swisher, 2016 Plant Sciences graduate, CEO and Founder, Phospholutions.

"You can't win if you don't play."

Ag Springboard is a student pitch contest in ag sciences with a $7,500 grand prize and $2,500 second prize. Teams pitch their ideas for a new business or non-profit in food, energy, ecosystems, bioproducts, community development and sustainability. Each team requires one College of Agricultural Sciences student.

Ag Springboard is an awesome opportunity, even for students who don't have a business concept or experience. Teams are looking for students to help. You'll learn a lot and have a lot of fun.

You'll learn how to pitch -- and how to get new ideas and solutions out into the world.

(And have a great time and meet really cool people.)

More reasons students compete in Ag Springboard

  • Stand out to employers -- especially those looking for self-starters.
  • Learn about entrepreneurship and if it's right for you.
  • Get one-on-one mentoring and feedback.
  • Act on your ideas and dreams. Take a step to make them REAL.
  • Meet some really cool, inspiring people.
  • Win $7,500 to MAKE your idea HAPPEN.

Pitch an idea for a new business or non-profit venture. You can lead a team, or sign up to help on a team.

Either way: Register by March 1. Click the REGISTER button on the E&I home page. OR: .

We're here to help! Connect with us -

  • Text 31996 for text updates from the E&I Program
  • @psuaginnovation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
  • @MakeItHappenPennState on Facebook
  • Register for Ag Springboard at the E&I website
  • Signup for the Entrepreneurship & Innovation email list by contacting Kitty MacKenzie at or drop by the Entrepreneurship & Innovation office in 107 Armsby Building.