Impact

      New Kensington innovation hub to help accelerate opportunities

      Application period open for free, 10-week program at The Corner

      Exterior and signage of The Corner, Penn State New Kensington's innovation hub at 701 Fifth Ave. in downtown New Kensington. Credit: Rebecca Dietrich / Penn State. Creative Commons

      NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Members of the Penn State New Kensington and local Alle-Kiski Valley community are invited to explore their ideas at the upcoming Corner Launchbox Opportunity Accelerator. The free, 10-week course will be held at the campus' innovation hub, The Corner, starting in February.

      Accepted participants will meet for nine two-hour sessions during the program period, as well as work independently on their business ideas. Experienced coaches and mentors will work with individuals and teams as they move forward through the program. In addition, participants will receive weekly one-on-one coaching and have access to The Corner during the program, legal support through Penn State's Entrepreneurial and Intellectual Property Law Clinics, up to $3,000 for customer discovery for qualified teams, LaunchBox Startup Support Package for qualifying businesses and other potential micro-grant opportunities.

      The program is scheduled for Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning on Feb. 4 and ending April 7. All sessions are held at The Corner, located at 701 Fifth Ave. in New Kensington.

      The Corner Launchbox Opportunity Accelerator is free, but those interested in the program must apply by filling out a brief online application. Those who would like to fill out a hard-copy application or have questions can contact Rhonda Schuldt, innovation coordinator, directly at rhonda.schuldt@psu.edu or 412-551-4408.

      The Corner is one of 21 Invent Penn State hubs across Pennsylvania. In addition to providing signature Launchbox programming, the space also serves as a location for area co-workers via a membership-based system. Throughout the year, the hub hosts free and low-cost programming, workshops and events through the Corner Launchbox with partners such as Innovation Works, the Small Business Development Center, Westmoreland SCORE, and more. To see a current listing of events, visit https://newkensington.psu.edu/corner-launchbox-events.

      The Corner, under the leadership of Penn State New Kensington Chancellor Kevin Snider, also is a foundation in the revitalization of the city of New Kensington and a leader in the region's expansion and preparation into the next industrial revolution, known by some as Industry 4.0.

      For more information about The Corner, visit thecorner.place/ or newkensington.psu.edu/launchbox.

      Last Updated January 6, 2020

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