Spend any amount of time learning about business development in Centre County, and you’ll hear the word “incubator.” It’s a good word, and apt in its description of creating the environment and support needed for entrepreneurs to emerge strong and successful. But, in working with businesses thriving a mere half-hour outside of State College in Philipsburg, another word came to mind: greenhouse. This small town is the perfect example of the greenhouse effect of Penn State’s world-class research and Innovation Park’s resources and knowledge base. Philipsburg has become a home to businesses that are making the news and, most importantly, loving it there.

Over the last few years, Morgan Advanced Materials has been making preparations for the opening of its new Carbon Science Centre of Excellence, located in Innovation Park. Morgan is making a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at establishing a truly world-class research facility. Nine highly skilled materials research positions have been filled to date with individuals from all around the world. Approximately 16 additional positions will be filled over the next two years.

On October 17 entrepreneur Craig S. Markovitz will visit Innovation Park to share his journey from founding and growing technology companies to sharing his expertise at Carnegie Mellon University. His presentation "From License to Exit" is part of the Rainmaker Series and will be held in Room 243 at noon.

*Originally published by Pennsylvania Business Central

In 2014, Joseph Sinclair was a senior in engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He was interested in manufacturing and was trying to find a 3D printer on campus to make some parts he had designed for a course project. He couldn’t find any easily accessible 3D printers on campus nor in town, so he decided to purchase a 3D printer and learn how to operate it. After using the printer for a few months, he found he was very good at designing and engineering 3D prototypes, so he started making them for his friends in the engineering program.

On August 8, 2018, entrepreneurs demoed their ventures to members of the public at the Summer Founders Program Demo Day at the Happy Valley Launchbox, powered by PNC Bank. After a few years of dormancy, the Launchbox was proud to work with Invent Penn State again and bring the program back to life.