PennTAP News & Announcements
The last year has brought a lot of change and our team was fortunate to grow our staff and client base. In order to better reflect what we offer and who we serve, we did a website refresh. Learn more about our commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and Penn State's strategic plan to ensure a sustainable future, as well as how we can help your business become more energy efficient and cut costs today.

Erie Ale Works was planning to remodel their facility and wanted to increase production as well as incorporate energy efficiency into the renovation. Our team evaluated the existing lighting and HVAC system and recommended replacing the existing lighting with LED bulbs and upgrading the HVAC system with newer, more energy efficient models. We also assisted Erie Ale Works with an SBAG application that offset the cost of lighting upgrades. Read more.

Over the course of this no-cost program, PA manufacturers will receive free training using Department of Energy (DOE)-developed resources to support their organization as they pursue their energy management path. A limited number of seats are available, and participation will be approved after a formal review process. Contact us for more information/to see if you qualify, or start your application today.

Additionally, help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity by using the following partner promo kit. Download the partner promo toolkit for pre-written email and social media posts and graphics that you can share amongst your network.
Rich Joyce is our newest technical advisor, serving the Eastern PA region. Rich's background includes 19 years as a business owner of a residential and commercial building products manufacturer where he served in a variety of roles from sales to manufacturing to customer service. Rich is looking forward to utilizing his wisdom and knowledge to provide consultations, guidance, and connections to Penn State experts, and link PennTAP's resources to businesses in Eastern PA. Read more.
Capstone Project Opportunities
Biological Engineering (BE) students are ready to tackle real-world industry challenges by applying their skills related to biological processes (bio-based energy, food, pharmaceuticals), machinery systems, and the environment. Student teams spend two semesters going from concepts to detailed design to testing while engaging with their project sponsor (see past projects and timeline here.) If you have a project idea, contact us to discuss and learn more. 

This is an excellent opportunity to investigate the potential for that "back burner" engineering design idea that has been sitting on your desk. Projects need to have a strong design component with clear, well-defined objectives to provide the students with an ideal starting point and allow them to keep focused. The required project work must be sufficient such that it may be handled by a team of 4-6 students within one 15-week semester. Learn more and submit a project.

Senior Engineering and Computer Science students from Penn State Harrisburg conduct year-long projects that address existing technical challenges. These projects culminate in presentations at their annual Capstone Design Conference. Last year, Penn State College of Medicine sponsored 5 highly successful projects via funding through the Center for Medical Innovation.
 
The College of Medicine is actively seeking project proposals for the 2021-2022 academic year. Projects are extremely diverse and proposals do not require excessive detail.
Upcoming Webinars & Events
Hosted by PennTAP
Date: July 15, 2021
Time: 11:00 am – Noon

Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy-related costs can sometimes require investment in new equipment, technology, or controls. Often, companies are eligible to apply for funding assistance to offset the cost of energy efficiency improvement efforts but are uncertain where to find these incentives.
 
During this webinar, we will discuss opportunities and incentives for small to mid-sized companies throughout Pennsylvania. We will have representatives providing information on funding that is available through FirstEnergy Act 129 and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Small Business Advantage Grant. Additional funding prospects will be discussed by a PennTAP advisor. Learn more and register.
Hosted by NWIRC
Dates: July 21, July 28, Aug 4 2021
Time: Noon - 1:00 pm

Struggling to meet the monthly performance goals? Constantly expediting orders and running too much overtime? Getting customer complaints for late orders or long lead-times? Suffering from the end of the month syndrome? Finding it difficult to attract and retain the right employees? Losing customers orders or have inadequate sales? These sessions will inspire you to open your mind to a new perspective. Learn more and register.
Hosted by Innovation Partnership (IPart)
Date: July 27, 2021
Time: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $10

Is your technology company eligible for non-dilutive federal funding through the government’s SBIR/STTR program? Find out about how these two programs can provide a source of R&D funding between the initial development of your innovative idea and proof that it has potential in the marketplace. Join this workshop and learn SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements, participating agencies, the differences between SBIR and STTR and more! This workshop is designed to provide enough information for attendees to determine if they would like to seriously pursue proposal development and tools to help begin the process and manage funds if you are awarded. Learn more and register.
Hosted by Penn State Engineering Career Resources & Employer Relations

Penn State Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations is taking a hybrid approach to engineering recruiting this fall—meaning some events will be held on the Brazen virtual platform while others will take place in person on the University Park campus. Whether you are hoping to engage widely through a college-level event, connect with students in a specific major, or both, you have a variety of options! All events are or will be listed on the Upcoming Events web page over the summer.

COLLEGE-WIDE EVENTS:
  1. Engineering Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Career Networking Reception (in-person) – 9/20/21
  2. Engineering Networking Reception (in-person) – 9/21/21
  3. NEW EVENT! NETWork Virtual Engineering Fair (virtual) – 10/6/21
 
DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC EVENTS:
  1. School of EECS Day (virtual) – 9/14/21
  2. Mechanical Engineering Career Fair (virtual) – 9/22/21
  3. SAVE THE DATE! Industrial Engineering Career Fair (in-person) – 9/22/21 – Registration information coming soon!
  4. SAVE THE DATE! Civil Engineering Career Fair (in-person) – 11/3 – 11/4/21 – Registration information coming soon!

PennTAP continues to provide businesses with vital information, resources, and technical assistance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 814-865-0427.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in the Penn State community, please visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/. For the latest information about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health, or https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/.