Program Overview
- The first step in taking your idea from concept to business is figuring out if you have identified a problem worth solving.
- Penn State Customer Discovery Lab will help you
- figure out what problems your potential customers really have and what they value, therefore, you can identify the value that you can offer but others can’t.
- learn how to develop a strong value proposition
- validate your value proposition through a scientific process
- get feedback from faculty experts and other entrepreneurs
- with the final pitch competition price of $500
- become eligible to apply for a micro-grant of up to $500 for further customer discovery.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Eligible teams are selected through an application process to an approved 4-week boot camp.
- Customer Discovery Lab is free to attend. We take zero equity in your business.
- Scalable ideas that have an unclear or unknown business model are good fit for this program.
- During the Customer Discovery Lab, teams
- are encouraged to have a faculty mentor and a business mentor.
- must commit to attending required workshops and cohort meetings.
- must perform a minimum of 30 customer interviews by the end of the program.
Timeline for Spring 2024
March 11: Application Due Date
March 12 – 14: Team Interviews (if needed)
March 15: Eligible Teams are announced
Program Dates: March 25, April 1, April 8, April 22, Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 pm
How to Apply
Faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students, recent alumni and community members interested in exploring the commercial viability of their idea or innovation can apply.
