Happy Valley's Home of Innovation
Serving students, innovators, and community entrepreneurs, this hub is the cornerstone of the Penn State entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The new 85,000-square-foot building supports the relocation of Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank and adds state-of-the-art entrepreneurial and innovation resources such as makerspaces, a virtual-reality/immersive technology laboratory, student club storage, a sixth-floor vista point/overlook event space, and collaboration areas designed to accelerate innovation, technology commercialization, and local startup companies through peer learning, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
Want to take a look inside? Take a quick virtual tour.
Welcome to the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub
Take the first step in turning your idea into a reality. Enter the ground floor and immerse yourself in a community of changemakers.
Upon entry, the first floor will offer access to:
- Co-working space featuring tables and modular seating areas
- Makerspaces open to all University and community members
- Future events hosted in this space that will be visible at the street level
Origin Labs
The all-new makerspace will provide students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs with access to cutting-edge technology and equipment as well as expert guidance and advice. Startups will be able to move quickly through early product development and prototyping, increasing their ability to rapidly
design and test potential solutions.
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank
Happy Valley LaunchBox’s mission is to de-risk and accelerate early stage, scalable startups. They do this by providing no-cost services, support, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes and empower them to make more informed business decisions.
Happy Valley LaunchBox will offer:
- Coworking & collaboration space
- Business coaching & advice
- Accelerator programs
- Microgrants
- Expert speaker series
Meeting & Event Space
The top level boasts a beautiful, airy meeting and event space that inspires collaboration and the exchange of ideas between innovators, makers, creators, and the community. Open to both the local and University community, this space has a 360-degree view of Happy Valley that will enhance any gathering.
This space will offer:
- Modern presentation technology
- 30-seat executive meeting room
- 100-plus-seat conference and banquet space
- Accommodation for a variety of events and event setups including receptions, educational sessions, meetings, etc.
Giving opportunities are available for donors who wish to contribute.