By Holly Riddle
It’s no secret that Penn State is changing the world, solving one problem at a time (just check out what the Huck Institutes is up to, in our recent coverage), but it’s not just Penn State research that’s making a difference. More and more, through initiatives, events and organizations like Happy Valley LaunchBox and Startup Week, the university is encouraging students and community members alike to solve the world’s problems via entrepreneurialism.
That said, not everyone’s cut out for the entrepreneur life — which is where intrapreneurship comes in. Intrapreneurship poses the idea that smart, innovative changemakers don’t need to launch their own businesses in order to make a difference. They can do so within the structure and support of traditional employment. With intrapreneurship, changemakers enjoy a safe space in which to innovate, and employers reap the benefits of hiring top talent who can bring new solutions, new products and new opportunities to their teams.
Intrigued? You’ll want to register for the upcoming Penn State Conference on Intrapreneurship, May 8–9.
Presented by the Penn State College of Engineering’s School of Engineering Design and Innovation, and the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program, the annual conference brings together employers for networking, education and insights, all centered around intrapreneurship.
According to Frank Koe, event organizer and professor of engineering entrepreneurship at Penn State, “This year’s Conference on Intrapreneurship will focus on intrapreneurial leadership and emphasize ways to guide employees who wish to make a difference in their company by becoming innovators. Questions such as, how does intrapreneurship work and why it is an important concept to embrace and manage will be addressed. Intrapreneurship underscores the point that everyone has something valid to offer. A new leadership style is needed to manage how the best in everyone can be brought out and used to advance companies.”
Ben Stapelfeld, chairman and co-founder of New Pig Corporation will be the conference’s keynote speaker for 2024. New Pig is an international leader in preventing and mitigating leaks and spills, and Stapelfeld has helped lead the company for nearly 40 years.
“If you’re about innovation and looking for an exciting approach to conducting and growing a business, this conference is for you!” said Koe. “The number of participants for this year’s conference will be held to 100, so early registration is encouraged. In order to be true to the idea of intrapreneurship, it’s important to keep the conference small, so everyone has an opportunity to participate and be heard. You, the participant, are central to making the conference a success!”
The free event kicks off with a networking event hosted by the Centre Region Entrepreneurs Network (CREN), Wed., May 8, 6–8 p.m. in the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub Lobby. Then, the conference takes place Thursday, May 9, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., also in the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Register and reserve your spot now, here.
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