Idea TestLab

Have a Business Idea?

Figure out how to turn it into a viable business!

Program Overview

Idea TestLab is a “customer discovery” investigation designed to help you better understand the customer, the problem you’re trying to solve, and how to provide value in a differentiated way. Participants compete for funding in the culminating Idea TestLab Pitch Competition.

Customer Discovery

This 6-week customer discovery investigation is designed to help you:

  1. Better understand your customer and the problem you’re trying to solve
  2. Determine where your potential customers hang out
  3. Identify the value of your product compared to what’s already on the market
  4. Compete for $2000 in prize money

Participants will learn how to develop a business model, validate their business model through a scientific process and work one-on-one with experienced entrepreneurs who serve as mentors. Final night pitch competition will award cash prizes.

This is a competitive accelerator for early-stage scalable business ideas. Idea TestLab is free to participants and takes no equity. Application is open to all early-stage, PA-based entrepreneurs – no affiliation with Penn State is required for participation, but you must have less than $500k in revenue.

Class Format

  • 3 learning sessions, a pitch practice night, and a final pitch night
  • 1:1 weekly coaching sessions
  • You can expect 10 hours of additional work per week – moving your startup forward
  • Teams will meet weekly from 6-8 PM

Application Process

  • Applications close: Sept 10, 2024 at midnight!
  • Teams selected & notified by: Sept 20, 2024