2025 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC: Full Schedule

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10:00am EDT

OriginLabs - Industry 4.0 Workshop: CNC Router- Industrial Applications

Tuesday March 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Join OriginLabs Service Bureau Manager, Tristan Hess, for an overview of CNC router applications and operation. Tristan will present various use-cases in industries such as cabinetry, aerospace, and signage, and lead participants through a design exercise that culminates in a CNC fabricated take-away.

Speakers

Tristan Hess

Service Bureau Manager, OriginLabs, Penn State

Tristan Hess is the Service Bureau Manager for OriginLabs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s in education focused on art and design. Before coming to OriginLabs, he worked for an independent school in Colorado, where he taught architecture, design... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
OriginLabs 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

In-person only

10:30am EDT

9 Early Career Lessons: What I Wish I Knew Before Graduating FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Nine years after launching our journeys as entrepreneurial Penn State students, we're bringing back the wisdom we wish we had known back then. This session will go beyond conventional career advice to share unexpected insights, personal stories, and lessons learned from navigating the worlds of startups, top tech companies, and self-designed career paths.

We'll discuss how we've pitched and shaped our roles, built and scaled ventures, and embraced non-traditional career moves. But beyond work, we'll also explore how to design fulfilling lives—balancing ambition with personal growth, side projects, and well-being. Whether you're dreaming of launching your startup, forging a unique career in tech, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on what success can look like, join us for a candid and inspiring conversation.

Speakers

William Ferguson

Product Designer, SmartPass

Hi, I'm William 👋I currently work as a product designer at SmartPass (recently acquired by Raptor Technologies). Here I build accessible software that helps improve school safety and operations. 📚My professional journey started by designing my own major at Penn State and creating... Read More →

Paul Girgis

Marketing Director, Madison

Growing up at the intersection of Midwest hospitality and Middle Eastern work ethic, Paul learned that the best connections start with genuine service. This philosophy has guided his path from pitching his first role to PSU’s President Barron to currently leading B2B marketing efforts... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

12:00pm EDT

The First Steps to Small Business Success FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

If you're interested in entrepreneurship or are thinking about starting a business, attend this one-hour version of our monthly First Steps to Small Business Success webinar to get an overview of what it takes to start and run a business. Our small business experts will share the key aspects of starting a business and help you determine if launching a business is right for you.

Topics covered include:

-Business structures
-How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
-Legal and tax implications of owning a business
-How to develop a business plan
-Funding options and how to compile a bank-ready financial package
-Where to find other resources that may help you succeed

Speakers

Elizabeth Fegert

Business Consultant, Penn State Small Business Development Center

Elizabeth, Certified Business Advisor© for the Penn State Small Business Development Center, uses her experience in marketing and program design to provide educational programming and consulting that helps clients achieve their small business goals. She holds a master’s degree... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

12:00pm EDT

Fuel Your Innovation: Daily Food Trucks at Startup Week! FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Back of building

Feeling hungry? 🍽️ Enjoy a variety of delicious eats from our rotating food trucks all week long! 🚚✨ Each day from 12 to 3 p.m., a different food truck will be parked behind the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, serving up fresh flavors to keep you fueled. Don’t miss out—grab a bite and power through 2025 Penn State Startup Week, powered by PNC! 🔥🍔🌮

Tuesday March 25, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Back of building 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

In-person only

1:30pm EDT

10 Ways To Stand Out And Land Your Next Gig

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Finding the right job—or even creating your own—can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to mean compromising your values or identity. In this session, we’ll share real-world experiences and actionable strategies to help you navigate career transitions authentically.

We’ll cover how to identify the best opportunities, make lasting impressions, and position yourself as a high-value candidate—whether you’re exploring consulting, tech, startups, agencies, leadership roles, or crafting a job that doesn’t exist yet. Expect candid stories, practical tools, and insights from our journeys to help you take your next step with confidence and integrity.

Join us to learn how to land your next gig—on your terms.

Speakers

William Ferguson

Product Designer, SmartPass

Paul Girgis

Marketing Director, Madison

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

3:00pm EDT

In-person Office Hours, Paul Girgis, Marketing Director @ Madison FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Conference Room 208

Do you or a small team of students have a business idea or an active startup? Do you want advice and expertise from a successful marketing entrepreneur? Here's your chance to have a 30-minute session with Paul Girgis, Marketing Director @ Madison.

If you would like to apply for this meeting, please email startupweek@psu.edu within 24 hours of signing up for this spot with the following information.

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for in-person University Park students.

If you are a student attending virtually from a Commonwealth Campus, please select Virtual Office Hours with Paul Girgis, Marketing Director @ Madison, instead.

Speakers

Paul Girgis

Marketing Director, Madison

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Conference Room 208 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

In-person only

3:00pm EDT

In-person Office Hours, William Ferguson, Product Designer @ SmartPass FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Conference Room 310

Do you or a small team of students have a business idea or an active startup? Do you want advice and expertise from a successful product designer and entrepreneur? Here's your chance to have a 30-minute session with William Ferguson, Product Designer @ SmartPass.

If you would like to apply for this meeting, please email startupweek@psu.edu within 24 hours of signing up for this spot with the following information.

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for in-person University Park students.

If you are a student attending virtually from a Commonwealth Campus, please select Virtual Office Hours with William Ferguson, Product Designer @ SmartPass, instead.

Speakers

William Ferguson

Product Designer, SmartPass

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Conference Room 310 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

In-person only

3:00pm EDT

Virtual Office Hours, William Ferguson, Product Designer @ SmartPass FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Conference Room 310

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for Commonwealth Campus students attending virtually.

If you are a student attending in person, please select In-person Office Hours with William Ferguson, Product Designer @ SmartPass, instead.

Speakers

William Ferguson

Product Designer, SmartPass

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Conference Room 310 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

Virtual

3:00pm EDT

Building Your Personal Brand as an Entrepreneur w/ Haley McClain Hill FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Ignite your entrepreneurial journey by crafting a magnetic personal brand that draws clients and opportunities like a moth to a flame. Learn to cultivate your unique strengths and amplify your voice to become an unforgettable force in your industry.

Speakers

Haley McClain Hill

CEO/Founder, TORCH Warriorwear

Haley Marie lives a fearless life. The trials of becoming an officer in the United States Air Force and the successes of an accomplished NFL Cheerleader gave birth to an extraordinary character: daring, free, and ahead of her time. Her thirst for culture, discovery, and travel has... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

3:45pm EDT

Virtual Office Hours, Paul Girgis, Marketing Director @ Madison FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Conference Room 208

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for Commonwealth Campus students attending virtually.

If you are a student attending in person, please select In-person Office Hours with Paul Girgis, Marketing Director @ Madison, instead.

Speakers

Paul Girgis

Marketing Director, Madison

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Conference Room 208 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

Virtual

4:30pm EDT

In-person Office Hours, Haley Marie McClain Hill, CEO @ TORCH WarriorWear FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

Conference Room 310

Do you or a small team of students have a business idea or an active startup? Do you want advice and expertise from a successful CEO and entrepreneur? Here's your chance to have a 30-minute session with Haley Marie McClain Hill, CEO of TORCH WarriorWear.

If you would like to apply for this meeting, please email startupweek@psu.edu within 24 hours of signing up for this spot with the following information.

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for in-person University Park students.

If you are a student attending virtually from a Commonwealth Campus, please select Virtual Office Hours with Haley Marie McClain Hill, CEO of TORCH WarriorWear, instead.

Speakers

Haley McClain Hill

CEO/Founder, TORCH Warriorwear

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Conference Room 310 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

In-person only

4:35pm EDT

Go Everywhere, Eat Everything: A Culinary Journey with Simon Majumdar FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:35pm - 5:50pm EDT

104 Keller Building

Join world-renowned broadcaster, food writer, and TV personality Simon Majumdar for an inspiring and insightful session at 2025 Penn State Startup Week. With a career that spans continents and cuisines, Simon has built a brand around his passion for food, storytelling, and exploration. From his journey as a restaurant critic and author to becoming a familiar face on the Food Network, Simon will share his experiences in the food industry, the food media business, and how entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in culinary innovation.

This engaging session will offer attendees a behind-the-scenes look at his career, the evolving food landscape, and the power of saying "yes" to new opportunities. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an aspiring food writer, or simply a lover of great stories, this conversation will leave you inspired to take bold steps toward your ambitions.

Don't miss this chance to hear from a true food adventurer as he shares lessons from his global quest to "Go Everywhere, Eat Everything."

Speakers

Simon Majumdar

Celebrity Chef

Simon Majumdar is a world-renowned broadcaster, food writer, speaker, author, and cook who has dedicated the second half of his time to fulfill his ambition to "Go Everywhere, Eat Everything." This journey has taken him to all fifty states and dozens of countries worldwide. He was... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:35pm - 5:50pm EDT
104 Keller Building University Park, PA 16802

In-person only

5:15pm EDT

Virtual Office Hours, Haley Marie McClain Hill, CEO @ TORCH WarriorWear FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 5:15pm - 5:45pm EDT

Conference Room 310

First and last name
Penn State email address
Which campus do you attend
Your major / field of study
A paragraph on what you hope to gain from this session

After that, up to five applications will be shared with the speaker, and they will decide who will benefit the most from this meeting.

If the speaker approves your request, Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC will add this session directly to your schedule.

If the speaker does not approve your meeting request, this session will be removed from your schedule.

This time slot is reserved for Commonwealth Campus students attending virtually.

If you are a student attending in person, please select In-person Office Hours with Haley Marie McClain Hill, CEO of TORCH WarriorWear, instead.

Speakers

Haley McClain Hill

CEO/Founder, TORCH Warriorwear

Tuesday March 25, 2025 5:15pm - 5:45pm EDT
Conference Room 310 Eric J Barron Innovation Hub, 123 South Burrowes Street, State College, PA 16801

Virtual

6:00pm EDT

Bardusch IdeaMakers Challenge Pitch Competition FILLING QUICKLY

Tuesday March 25, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Room 603, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Join us for the Idea Makers Challenge Final Pitch Competition! Teams of 2-5 undergrad students at Penn State with an early-stage business idea where information technology is a core business model component will compete for prize money. For the past two months, these teams of students have received mentorship from faculty, industry leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs to develop their idea-pitching skills for a chance to win prizes that advance their ideas and professional network!

Tuesday March 25, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Room 603, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

2025 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC

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