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Founder GrantDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Summer Founders Program

Also known as: Penn State Summer Founders

Pennsylvania State University · University Park, PA

The Summer Founders Program offers $15,000 equity-free grants to startups with at least one Penn State student founder, enabling full-time summer work on their venture. Hosted at Happy Valley LaunchBox in State College for 13 weeks (May-August). Provides weekly coaching, 100+ adviser network, 24/7 coworking access, and software tools.

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Quick fit check

  • Offers direct funding
  • No equity required
  • Currently active
  • Verified by research

Key numbers

Funding range

$15,000 – $15,000

Grant

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-06-24

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual cycle. Info session February. Applications open February, close early March. Program runs May 20 through August.

Participants

Penn State students from all campuses (including World Campus), undergrad and graduate. Must commit to full-time (40 hrs/week) in State College. Solo founders and teams of 2-3 accepted.

Funding and Equity

$15K equity-free grant per startup. No equity taken. Funded by donor contributions from Y Combinator partner Michael Seibel, Weebly co-founders Chris Fanini and David Rusenko, and others.

Recent Activity

  • 2026: Teams selected — FitLifeAI (AI fitness platform), Now You Know (social card game), Vayla (biodegradable hair accessories), Whirl Pong (spinning cup pong).

Known Startups or Winners

  • 2026: FitLifeAI, Now You Know, Vayla, Whirl Pong.

Verification Gaps

  • Historical team lists (pre-2026) not captured.
  • Post-program startup outcomes and funding raised.
Additional research notesShow

Evidence

  • Summer Founders Program official page with 2026 teams, eligibility, and funding details.[1]