Invent Penn State

Apply to Virtual Idea TestLab to test viability of your business idea

Happy Valley LaunchBox program is open to community and Penn State entrepreneurs

The Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank Virtual Idea TestLab helps early-stage entrepreneurs explore the feasibility of their business ideas. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Open to the community as well as Penn State faculty, staff and students, Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank is now accepting applications for its four-week Virtual Idea TestLab, which is designed to help teams evaluate the viability of their business ideas by coaching them through a proven method of customer discovery and problem analysis.

The application deadline for the Virtual Idea TestLab is May 30. There is no cost to apply.

Teams will meet virtually as a cohort once per week, have one-on-one consultations with the program manager, and complete additional exercises independently. A virtual onboarding meeting will take place on June 7 and the virtual sessions are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on June 14, June 21, June 28 and July 12.

“Virtual Idea TestLab allows early-stage entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of their business ideas,” said Elizabeth Hay, Jack White Family Director of Happy Valley LaunchBox. “All it takes to apply to the Virtual Idea TestLab is an idea. From there, we’ll help you discover the value that your business idea can provide and clearly define the needs of your customer.”

Program benefits include:

  • Access to one-on-one mentoring.
  • Mailed copy of “The Mom Test” and program materials.
  • Up to $3,000 for customer discovery.

This will be an all-virtual program requiring access to a computer with audio and video capabilities and a stable internet connection.

About Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank

Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank provides early-stage startups with support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. No-cost programs and services include co-working space, accelerator programs, legal and intellectual property advice, and expert mentorships from Penn State’s extensive network. LaunchBox is open to everyone — community members and those affiliated with Penn State. Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 21 innovation hubs located in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania.

Last Updated May 10, 2022