The Mon Valley LaunchBox represents a collaboration between Penn State Greater Allegheny, Invent Penn State, and the city of McKeesport to engage the community, entrepreneurs, and students in fostering economic development and improving the quality of life in the Mon Valley.
Our Mission
A key focus of this initiative is to create a culture of innovation around the LaunchBox, significantly increasing the number of entrepreneurs in the community. Currently, 100% of our Mon Valley LaunchBox clients are minority-owned businesses, with 75% of clients being African American women.
Community Support and Sustainability
The sustainability of the Mon Valley LaunchBox relies on the contributions of alumni, friends, and community leaders. Their support helps our campus serve as a launching point for students and entrepreneurs.
Our Location
The city of McKeesport has been a key partner in establishing our presence in the Mon Valley at the Penn State - McKeesport Innovation Hub, located at 225 5th Avenue in downtown McKeesport. Here, LaunchBox participants and partners have access to meeting and educational spaces.
Impact and Goals
The Mon Valley LaunchBox at the Penn State - McKeesport Innovation Hub is a catalyst for entrepreneurs and community members, driving economic development, social change, and innovation. Our goals include:
- Connecting Communities
- Harnessing Ingenuity
- Accessing Resources
- Networking
- Generating Opportunity
- Engineering Success
Invent Penn State Initiative
Invent Penn State is a Commonwealth-wide initiative aimed at spurring economic development, job creation, and student career success. It blends entrepreneurship, focused academic programs, business startup training and incubation, funding for commercialization, and university-community collaborations. This initiative facilitates the challenging process of turning research discoveries into valuable products and services that benefit Pennsylvanians and humankind.
"The aim of Invent Penn State is to drive job creation, economic development and student career success by connecting researchers with the people who can help bring their discoveries to the marketplace. Penn State is developing a culture that encourages, nurtures and rewards entrepreneurship in all fields of study."
- Penn State President Emeritus Eric J. Barron
