2025 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC

2025 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC

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12:00pm EDT

So You Want to Start a Podcast w/ Lillian Xu FILLING QUICKLY

Monday March 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Join Lillian Xu, VP of Vox Media's podcast business, to learn more about the podcast industry today and how to think through starting a show and making it a real business.

Speakers

Lillian Xu

VP, Podcast Business, Vox Media

Lillian Xu is VP for the podcast business at Vox Media, where she leads strategic initiatives, franchise expansions, partnerships, and business operations. She joined the company as executive director in 2023, and led talent deals and partnerships with the multi-platform pop culture... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

1:30pm EDT

Why Your Startup Isn't Getting Any Sales (and how to fix that!) FILLING QUICKLY

Monday March 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Two years ago, I was exactly where you are—grinding every day, putting out content, building a brand... but struggling to turn any of it into real revenue. I had an audience and millions of views—but no consistent sales. That all changed when I stopped guessing and started applying a real sales strategy. Since then, I’ve scaled my company from $0 to $300K+ in revenue, landing clients like Gatorade, lululemon, and Amazon Prime Video. In this session, you’ll learn the exact reasons why your startup isn’t generating sales—and, more importantly, how to fix it. Whether it’s your offer, outreach, or positioning, I’ll break down the common mistakes and give you the playbook to start closing deals immediately.

Speakers

Justin Leusner

Founder, TDAY Sports

Justin Leusner is the founder of TDAY Sports, “Gen-Z’s ESPN,” which has over 1.3 million followers. Justin has garnered over 1 billion lifetime views on social media and has scaled his company to a 7-figure valuation with a team of 20.Based in State College, PA, Justin has helped... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

3:00pm EDT

Future of AI in Personalization and Decision-Making (Namratha Sri Mateti) FILLING QUICKLY

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

This session explores how AI transforms personalization and decision-making across gaming, e-commerce, and healthcare industries. It will highlight advancements in deep learning, real-time data processing, and ethical AI.

Speakers

Namratha Sri Mateti

Machine Learning Engineer, Unity

Namratha Sri Mateti is a Machine Learning Engineer at Unity Technologies, specializing in building scalable AI solutions to enhance user engagement through personalization. She is also a Penn State alumna with a master’s in Data Analytics.

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

4:30pm EDT

Opportunities in Agriculture (Ryan Ostir) FILLING QUICKLY

Monday March 24, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Join us for an insightful session on "Opportunities in Agriculture," where we will explore the significant challenges facing the agriculture industry in 2025 and beyond. This presentation will address critical issues such as population growth, labor shortages, and the urgent need to increase the yield and productivity of our farmland sustainably. Attendees will better appreciate these challenges and be inspired to develop innovative business solutions. We will also highlight cutting-edge technology from John Deere and showcase other industry innovators leading the way in addressing these critical issues. Don't miss this opportunity to spark ideas and contribute to the future of agriculture.

Speakers

Ryan Ostir

Product Owner: Embedded Software, John Deere

Ryan Ostir grew up in Warren County, NJ, and attended Warren Hills High School. He graduated from the Penn State College of IST in 2018 with a Security & Risk Analysis degree, receiving the David Rusenko Entrepreneur in Residence scholarship for his Mobile DJ business, Mixmasters... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

6:00pm EDT

Implementing AI: The Story of Saveware FILLING QUICKLY

Monday March 24, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Join the co-founders of Saveware for an engaging and insightful session on identifying and seizing business opportunities. They will share their experiences recognizing market gaps, developing innovative solutions, and transforming ideas into successful ventures. Additionally, they will highlight the vast network of resources available at Penn State, including mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and entrepreneurial support, to help aspiring founders bring their visions to life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the startup journey, this session will provide valuable strategies and inspiration to take your ideas to the next level.

Speakers

Brady Davidson

Co-Founder, Saveware

Brady Davidson is a third-year Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) major at Penn State, currently taking a leave of absence to dedicate himself full-time to his startup, Saveware. With a strong passion for entrepreneurship, he focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence... Read More →

Ryan Jai Hokimi

Co-Founder, Saveware

Ryan Jai Hokimi is a Penn State senior studying Computer Science and the CTO of Saveware, a startup focused on automating sales tax reverse audits. He previously served as president of the Nittany AI Student Society, a leading AI organization at Penn State. He is passionate about... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

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

1:30pm EDT

10 Ways To Stand Out And Land Your Next Gig FILLING QUICKLY

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

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

In-person & 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

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

2:00pm EDT

Write Your Future - Using Creative Expression to Unlock Your Potential FILLING QUICKLY

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In this session, Brittany will guide students through the process of creating a writing creative piece to their future selves. A guided activity with materials provided, learn how to unleash your imagination in a way to speak to your potential. Suited for all interest levels.

Speakers

Brittany Fisher

Author, Moving Through Change

Brittany Fisher is a 24' Alum of Smeal College of Business. She wrote Moving Through Change in her senior year with the support of the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation. A lifelong writer, and advocate for personal growth, she looks to encourage fellow young adults development... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

4:00pm EDT

Art Activism: Fighting for Change While Under Attack FILLING QUICKLY

Wednesday March 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Room 603, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

This session will focus on how we can use art in all forms to advocate for social change, equity, and justice amid a political climate where anyone fighting for a change of the status quo is under attack. Aaron will use his work in Baltimore City as an example of how to use art as a tool to change the world.

Speakers

Aaron Maybin

Father | Educator | Contemporary Artist | Author | Former NFL Linebacker

Aaron Maybin is a Contemporary Artist, Educator, Community Activist, and former professional football player from Baltimore City, Maryland.Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills as a former All-American defensive end at Penn State University... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Room 603, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

6:00pm EDT

Making Hard-Tech Startups Easier: Lessons from the Battlefield FILLING QUICKLY

Wednesday March 26, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Jonathan Smith and Shayaan Gandhi run Streamline Charging, a hard-tech startup working to make EV charging fast and flexible. Currently building a $1M solar-powered fast charging hub in Eastern Pennsylvania, the pair have seen almost every challenge a hard-tech startup can face. Learn from their failures and experience so you don't make the same mistakes.

Startups involving university IP, complicated engineering, or years of research and design are like playing entrepreneurship on "demon mode," but there are ways to make the journey easier. Learn tools and techniques to ensure your innovation is worth the years it will take to get to market and ways to accelerate the process.

Speakers

Shayaan Gandhi

Strategy Lead, Streamline Charging

Shayaan Gandhi is the Strategy Lead at Streamline Charging, an EV charging startup focused on making fast charging more flexible and accessible. He has actively helped in securing ~$50,000 through pitch competitions and works on business strategy and marketing to move the brand forward... Read More →

Jonathan Smith

CEO, Streamline Charging

Jonathan Smith is a graduate student at Penn State studying Architectural Engineering and the founder of Streamline Charging.

Wednesday March 26, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

10:30am EDT

But I’m Afraid to Hit Send: Find the Right Digital Marketing Strategies for You FILLING QUICKLY

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

There are many ways to reach potential clients, investors, and collaborators through online marketing, but as a startup with limited resources, you need to be strategic about where you put your valuable time and money. What works for one business won’t work for another. We’ll walk through the pros, cons, and best practices of using social media, email, SEO, and paid media so you can lay a path that will work for you.

Speakers

Dina Ross

Founder, Dina Ross Digital Strategy

Dina Ross is a digital growth expert and entrepreneur with a passion for connecting with the people behind the screens. She uses her expertise in content creation, data analytics, and creator management to help startups, small, and mid-sized companies capture the power of online marketing... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

12:00pm EDT

How to Channel Your Feminine Energy into Creative Genius Energy FILLING QUICKLY

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Unleash the potent magic of your feminine energy to fuel a creative fire that sets your soul ablaze. Discover how to tap into your inner wellspring of intuition and passion to birth groundbreaking ideas and artistic masterpieces.

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 →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

1:30pm EDT

From Small Town to Startup & VC: Lessons in Grit, Growth, and Entrepreneurship FILLING QUICKLY

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Join Douglas Wilber as he shares his journey from a small town in Upstate New York to the world of startups and venture capital. In this session, Douglas will reflect on how athletics paved his way to Penn State, the key lessons he learned during his time at PSU, and how his early career moves shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. From working at Enterprise (Discover) to leading a startup (Denim) and eventually transitioning into venture capital, Douglas has navigated the highs and lows of business firsthand. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or just starting your career, this session will provide real-world insights, practical advice, and strategies to help you carve your own path in the startup ecosystem.

Speakers

Douglas Wilber

Operating Partner, SixThirty Ventures

Doug Wilber is the Operating Partner at venture capital firm SixThirty. In the newly created role, Wilber advises SixThirty’s portfolio companies as they refine their go-to-market strategies to effectively partner with large-scale, enterprise businesses. An industry veteran, Wilber... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

3:00pm EDT

Perseverance Through Adversity - Turning Your Test Into a Testimony (Garry Gilliam) FILLING QUICKLY

Thursday March 27, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Garry Gilliam’s journey from being undrafted to becoming a key player in the NFL is a powerful example of overcoming adversity through perseverance and resilience. Despite facing the disappointment of going undrafted and a near career-ending injury, Gilliam remained determined to pursue his dream of playing professional football. His unwavering commitment to his goal and his ability to stay focused in the face of setbacks are valuable lessons for individuals and businesses.

Speakers

Garry Gilliam

CEO, The Bridge Eco-Village

Garry is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur dedicated to transforming communities through innovative projects like The Bridge Eco-Village, a sustainable, mixed-use development addressing housing, education, and entrepreneurship. With degrees in Business Development, Psychology... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

4:15pm EDT

Brand Academy Panel FILLING QUICKLY

Thursday March 27, 2025 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

From the field to the boardroom, Penn State's former athletes have taken their competitive drive beyond sports and into entrepreneurship. Join Doug Wilber, CEO, and fintech leader; Aaron Maybin, artist and social impact entrepreneur; Garry Gilliam Jr., real estate developer, and founder; and Haley Marie McClain Hill, Air Force veteran, and fashion entrepreneur, as they discuss how they built their brands and businesses after their athletic careers. Hear firsthand how they built their brands, leveraged their athletic experience for business success, and navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Moderated by Omar Easy, this panel will dive into personal branding, business leadership, and the unique challenges athletes face when transitioning into entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, student-athlete, or business-minded innovator, this session will provide invaluable insights into turning ambition into enterprise.

Moderators

Omar Easy

Director, Penn State Brand Academy

Omar X. Easy, Ph.D., a former Penn State football student-athlete and Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders running back, has been appointed to lead The Penn State Brand Academy as Assistant Athletics Director for the Brand Academy. The Brand Academy, a project recently launche... Read More →

Speakers

Garry Gilliam

CEO, The Bridge Eco-Village

Garry is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur dedicated to transforming communities through innovative projects like The Bridge Eco-Village, a sustainable, mixed-use development addressing housing, education, and entrepreneurship. With degrees in Business Development, Psychology... Read More →

Douglas Wilber

Operating Partner, SixThirty Ventures

Doug Wilber is the Operating Partner at venture capital firm SixThirty. In the newly created role, Wilber advises SixThirty’s portfolio companies as they refine their go-to-market strategies to effectively partner with large-scale, enterprise businesses. An industry veteran, Wilber... Read More →

Aaron Maybin

Father | Educator | Contemporary Artist | Author | Former NFL Linebacker

Aaron Maybin is a Contemporary Artist, Educator, Community Activist, and former professional football player from Baltimore City, Maryland.Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills as a former All-American defensive end at Penn State University... Read More →

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 →

Thursday March 27, 2025 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

11:15am EDT

PSU Biotech Boardroom Pitch Competition FILLING QUICKLY

Friday March 28, 2025 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

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.

Friday March 28, 2025 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 612, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

In-person & Virtual

2025 Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC

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