Idea TestLab is best for individuals or teams who have identified a problem (or idea) they want to work on, but have not yet systematically collected data to validate the problem/need and who has it. We ideally look for scalable ideas that have an unclear, or unknown business model.

We are looking for teams or individuals who…

• have identified a problem (or idea) they want to explore as a potential business.

• need help to clearly define their target customer and the value they can provide to them.

• are willing to learn from others by working through the customer discovery process, which includes conducting interviews (customers, experts, competitors) each week.

• are looking to build their entrepreneurial skills by participating in a structured program that focuses on moving ideas from concept to potential viable businesses.

• are struggling with identifying an appropriate business model.

While the program has no cost, we do ask you to invest your time. It is our expectation that all participants are serious about, and will be dedicated to, testing their idea. Participants in the Idea TestLab should be prepared to spend between 7-12 hours a week during the program (2 hours a week in a weekly session, 1 hour 1:1 coaching, 4-9 hours conducting customer discovery). Being able to manage your time to successfully complete this program is the first start to managing your time to start a business!

As long as you are a Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur or startup, you may apply to the program.

Nope. We welcome individuals who are looking to better define an idea for their business.

It's not required, but highly recommended.

If you have others that you are working with, or might want to work with, the program is a great way to get everyone on the same page as your idea changes and iterates throughout the program. It's also a great no-risk test to see how well you work together. 

• Week #1 Zoom Weekly Cohort Training Session: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 6-8 pm 

• Week #2 Zoom Weekly Cohort Training Session: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6-8 pm 

• Week #3 Zoom Weekly Cohort Training Session: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6-8 pm 

• Week #4 Zoom Weekly Cohort Training Session: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6-8 pm 

• Week #5 Pitch Practice Week!

• Week #6 Final Pitch Competition (Virtual)

In addition to weekly cohort training sessions, you will spend time outside of class doing assigned program work, which includes talking to prospective customers and meeting with program coaches.

The Tuesday evening training sessions are taught live and will be offered via Zoom. 

The program will be facilitated and taught by LaunchBox personnel with experience in the startup space.

The program also includes 1:1 coaching with a group of experienced startup coaches who are business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Yes. We want to be able to accept entrepreneurs who are serious about the program. If you are accepted to the program, you or at least one member from your startup team (if applicable) must attend all 4 sessions. The application process is competitive, and you'll be filling a slot that someone wanted and didn't get.

In addition, a lot of work goes into this program and our program coaches are volunteers generously giving their time and talent to help you to succeed. When you accept the invitation to join the cohort, you are committing to attending all sessions of Idea TestLab and doing all the required program work.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026.

That’s hard to say. We can tell you, however, that by the end of the program, you will:

• have verified your assumptions about the problem and who has it,

• have a clear statement of the problem or job your customer is trying to accomplish and the root cause of that problem/need,

• know what your customer is doing to try solve the problem today and how that’s working for them,

• understand what motivates your customer to keep looking for a solution, and

• be able to pinpoint how you can provide value with your solution.

With all that under your belt, you’ll be ready to start building a minimum viable product and start testing the market.

The final competition will take place virtually via Zoom on November 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. 

More information will be forthcoming about the final competition, but what we can tell you is that, thanks to the generosity of an incredible sponsor/partner, first place will receive $1,500, second will receive $1,000, and third will receive $500. We don't take equity - the only requirement to receive the funds (other than placing in the competition) is to meet with your local LaunchBox to solidify your next steps! 

Nope! We take zero equity and charge no fees.

No, you own your own intellectual property (IP), unless you are a faculty member or current graduate student of Penn State who is commercializing your university research. Your IP safely stays with you!

What’s more, Penn State can even help you protect your IP. The Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic provides free legal services related to intellectual property to Pennsylvania entrepreneurs. No affiliation with Penn State is required to work with the Clinic.

Invent Penn State is Penn State’s statewide initiative to support entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, and job creation across Pennsylvania. Its LaunchBox & Innovation Network includes 24 innovation spaces located in communities throughout the Commonwealth. Together, they provide entrepreneurs with no-cost resources such as business training, mentorship, accelerator programs, coworking and makerspaces, pitch competitions, and connections to specialized expertise.

LaunchBox programs are open to everyone—you do not need to be a Penn State student or alumnus to participate.