Social worker invents a fix for kids’ cold feet with Koveroo
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Aquito Young, inventor of a blanket that contains an integrated pouch, takes his concept from idea, to reality. Photo: Provided. Aquito Young, a social worker and now inventor and startup founder, was frequently struggling with his child kicking off their bed covers in the middle of the night. This simple, common parental […]
First food and beverage TechCelerator fuels scalable solutions in cancer recovery drinks, gut healing foods and supply chains
Ben Franklin Technology Partners has launched the 2023 round of its TechCelerator program, and for the first time, the food and beverage industry is in the spotlight. This year’s group of participating startup founders is focused on the science and innovation of food and drink. “This program has challenged me to get uncomfortable and develop […]
Taking a groundbreaking idea from the lab to the orchard
By Holly Riddle Photo: Kari A. Peter. Late last year, HappyValley Industry covered the Ben Franklin Technology Partners 2022 BIG IDEA Contest. The 2022 contest focused specifically on the agricultural, food and beverage industries and the second-place winner — and recipient of $10,000 to further his business — was Penn State researcher and associate professor […]
“WE ARE a great place to start a biz!” Local experts on Happy Valley’s secret for business success
Photos: Provided. Ben Franklin Technology Partners makes investments in cutting-edge startups in a 32-county footprint; in fact, it is the largest early-stage investor and supporter in the area. Last year alone, Ben Franklin assisted 301 businesses in the Commonwealth. The programs and resources that Ben Franklin provides help to create an ideal ecosystem for launching […]
FREE intrapreneurship conference focuses on employees as change makers
Mark your calendars for the Conference on Intrapreneurship Employees as ChangeMakers, taking place May 11 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub. The conference, which is free, is presented by the Penn State College of Engineering’s School of Engineering Design and Innovation and will focus on how employees can create innovation from within a company. […]
Bellefonte’s SpringBoard set for expansion
By David Rockower Springboard, which opened in 2017 as an incubator and coworking space, is moving to The Lofts in downtown Bellefonte. Photo: Ellen Matis. With its local breweries, boutiques and cafes, the vibe in downtown Bellefonte is one of revitalization and change. Just a short drive from State College, Bellefonte continues to develop its […]
Americans are starting new businesses at record rates, and Pennsylvania is one of the best places to do it
By Cara Aungst Photo: PA.gov. Recently, a friend messaged me. As a fellow Happy Valley news junkie, he’s always good for sending on local and business headlines with “Have you seen this?!” commentary. “Not good news,” he said about the just-released report that says Pennsylvania was one of the most “moved-out-of” states this past year. […]
New brewers add to thriving craft beer scene
By Beverly Molnar Photo: Antifragile Brewing Co. When you think of “craft beer towns,” you might think of Asheville, North Carolina, which was first named Beer City USA in 2009, or Burlington, Vermont, which holds the record for the highest number of breweries per capita. But brewers in Happy Valley aim to change that. Over […]
An Innoblue startup is taking the guesswork out of landlord-tenant partnerships
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger WeAreHousing presenting on Innoblue’s Demo Day. Photo: WeAreHousing. They say sunlight is the best disinfectant. Penn State student Tanishq Barot found this out the hard way, when he was forced to contend with a mold issue in the house that he was renting. “My entire roof and bathroom were completely full of […]
