Ribbon-cutting held for Mon Valley Launchbox

Penn State Greater Allegheny held a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony earlier this month for the Mon Valley Launchbox in downtown McKeesport.

The launchbox is one of 21 Penn State-funded innovation hubs that serve entrepreneurs. The centers provide mentorship, co-working space, business idea and startup support, and business, legal and intellectual property advice.

The McKeesport location can support up to 20 businesses at one time and offers collaborative working spaces, a conference room, and an Apple iMac computer lab.

“There is a launchbox within 30 miles of 96 percent of the population of the state of Pennsylvania,” Penn State President Eric J. Barron said. “The Mon Valley LaunchBox here provides educational and technical support for aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition, it connects faculty, professionals, and students who are passionate about building a vibrant community in downtown McKeesport and the surrounding area.”

The hubs are part of the university’s Invent Penn State initiative and have assisted 2,463 entrepreneurs with the development of 205 new products, the creation of 115 new companies and 109 new jobs.

Barron attended the ribbon-cutting along with Madlyn Haynes, Penn State vice president of commonwealth campuses; Jacqueline Edmondson, Penn State Greater Allegheny’s chancellor and chief academic officer; and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko.