IDEA TESTLAB FALL 2026

Virtual Idea Accelerator ProgramA collaboration between the Beaver Valley, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mon Valley (Greater Allegheny), Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schylkill, Shenango, and York LaunchBoxes

It's a good time to #startup.

CUSTOMER DISCOVERY

De-risk your process and gain essential understanding of the customer. Get hands-on training and support for this critical lean startup process.

1:1 COACHING

Receive 1:1 coaching support from experienced startup coaches

PITCH COMPETITION

Compete for non-equity cash prizes at the virtual final pitch competition on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

ITL ACCELERATOR CULTURE

Idea TestLab was built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. That means the experience is practical, fast-moving, and sometimes humbling.

Your facilitators and coaches are here to push your thinking, challenge your assumptions, and help you build the strongest possible foundation for your venture. We’ll be direct, open, and candid because honest feedback is one of the most valuable things an entrepreneur can receive.

At times, we may interrupt, redirect, or ask you to dig deeper. That isn’t about shutting ideas down. It’s about making the most of our limited time together and helping you get to the insight faster.

Idea TestLab is a short, intensive accelerator. The progress you make will depend on the work you put in between Labs: talking with customers, testing assumptions, meeting with your coach, and showing up prepared to learn from the cohort.

Your coaches, facilitators, and fellow entrepreneurs are investing in your progress. Commit to the process, contribute to the cohort, and give yourself the best possible chance to make meaningful progress on your venture.

Our coaching philosophy: care personally + challenge directly.

Image: Radical Candor

THE COHORT CONDUCT CODE

Be on time.
Commit your full attention to Labs, Coaching Sessions, and Venture Sprint work.
Respect the time of your coaches and cohort.
Say "I don't know" when you don't. (That's a good thing!)
Take notes when you get feedback.

OUR SPONSORS

Prize money for the ITL Pitch Finals on November 10 was generously donated by First National Bank.

Educational materials for the Idea TestLab have been provided through a grant from Penn State Bookstore

Invent Penn State is a Commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.

Page updated

Report abuse