Training “fearless problem solvers”
Unleashing innovation and opportunity
Penn State’s Engineering Entrepreneurship program is growing and thriving, standing out as one of the most vibrant and progressive opportunities available to students. “If you graduated before 2020, you’ll see some new faces here,” said Brad Groznik, Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Engineering Design and Innovation. “But we’re carrying forward the legacy of the program and are eager to get more alumni involved in its success.”
Teaching in-demand skills
Program Director Ted Graef emphasized the program’s transformative impact, helping students gain unique personal and career development advantages. “Engineering entrepreneurship’s impact is two-fold: it provides entrepreneurial business knowledge and the creativity and entrepreneurial mindset to complement credentials in engineering and other fields. These are the skills businesses seek in their new engineers and that employers seek in all careers today,” he said. “Students learn to be fearless problem solvers, seeking creative solutions and taking educated risks—qualities that distinguish them among their peers.”
Penn State’s program was one of the first in the country to offer an 18-credit minor in entrepreneurship, open to all majors. It introduces students to the entrepreneurial mindset, fuels startup ambitions, and teaches intrapreneurship—how to drive innovation from within an existing company. “Intrapreneurship is a critical element of the program because we know that Penn State engineers are in high demand, working in leadership positions at major firms worldwide,” explained Frank Koe, Teaching Professor in the School of Engineering Design and Innovation.
Real startups making real money
Student success in the program extends beyond the classroom. An e-commerce project helps students create real startups, some that continue beyond the duration of the program. “Student businesses are selling everything from 3D-printed toys to hand-poured soy candles. And they’re making real money,” Groznik said. “Some students who continued their business have made tens of thousands of dollars.”
Koe noted that a key goal of the program is to integrate students into the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. “It would be difficult to beat the comprehensive nature of our entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports and connects students to resources such as state-wide LaunchBoxes. This free assistance places student ideas on a fast track by enhancing their chances of success,” he said.
Inspiring students with alumni success
“We’re proud that our graduates are in every aspect of the economy, from their startups to Fortune 500s, and we’ve heard from many that engineering entrepreneurship has been key to their success,” Groznik said.
Graef added that the program welcomes alumni interested in sharing their experiences as guest speakers, attending live or virtually. “Some of our best, most engaging sessions include firsthand alumni stories,” he said. “You are ambassadors for the program, and we want to hear from you—not only about your success but also your struggles, challenges, and failures.”
What’s next
As the program continues to grow, it is evolving and creating opportunities beyond the traditional classroom experience. “One of our most recent developments is a micro-credential program—short online courses designed to introduce entrepreneurship and leadership to anyone, no matter where they live or work,” Koe shared. “The future is exciting.”
Want to share your startup story or how the Engineering Entrepreneurship program impacted your career trajectory? Email Ted Graef at tedgraef@psu.edu.
