HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology’s (HU) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is expanding its reach as a regional business incubator. With a venture pipeline focused on bringing STEM innovation into the region’s startup ecosystem, the CIE is deepening its corporate partnerships and earning regional recognition. This momentum was on display when more than 30 founders, business leaders, university trustees, government officials, and community partners gathered at the University for the CIE’s Friends & Family Meet & Greet.
The July 16 evening event welcomed nine founders from across the CIE’s portfolio. Several shared their ventures with the room and described the difference the Center’s mentorship, resources, and network have made in moving their ideas forward. CIE leadership also presented progress across the Center’s programs, partnerships, and expanding role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
“Big ideas, great people, and powerful connections — that is what the evening was about,” said Jay Jayamohan, executive director of the CIE. “Hearing founders describe what mentorship, resources, and a real network have meant to their ventures tells you why this work matters. The energy in the room said it all: Central Pennsylvania’s innovation ecosystem is growing.”
A Growing Regional Engine
Since its founding in 2019, the CIE has incubated 24 startups, supported more than 150 founders, and engaged more than 700 Harrisburg University students, placing over 100 of them in internships that turn classroom work into résumé-ready experience. Ventures incubated at the Center have collectively raised more than $11 million in capital.
The Center’s reach extends well beyond its incubator. Its Small Business Accelerator Program, delivered free of charge in partnership with M&T Bank, has supported more than 120 local businesses since 2022 and earned the Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. In 2025, seven CIE-supported startups were named to the Central Penn Business Journal’s “In the Lead” list of the region’s most promising young companies.
Cross-Sector Support
The July gathering drew leaders from across the region’s public, private, and academic sectors. Attendees included Harrisburg University President Dr. Christopher M. Reber; University Trustees Brad Jones and Anson Flake; Ryan Unger, president and CEO of Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC; Jen Gilburg, Pennsylvania deputy secretary for technology and entrepreneurship; Dena Jangdhari, chief officer of human relations for the City of Harrisburg; Gail DeAngelo, vice president at M&T Bank; John Moorefield, founder of Moorefield Communications; Andy Kochanowski, CEO of Alerify; and John Hickey, former UPMC board member.
“Harrisburg University was founded to be an engine for this region’s economy, and the CIE is one of the clearest expressions of that mission,” said Dr. Reber. “What struck me most that evening was the range of people in the room: founders, public officials, and corporate leaders, all invested in the same outcome. That kind of alignment is rare, and it is what will carry Central Pennsylvania’s innovation economy forward.”
The CIE will continue to expand its programming in the coming months, including the upcoming inaugural cohort of Side Hustle School: a family-oriented business-development experience that combines the creative spirit of Build-A-Bear with the mission focus of “Shark Tank.” Registration is currently underway and families can apply immediately. Space is limited for the event; the 7-week program will empower up to 25 students and their families to broaden their entrepreneurial skill sets and build lasting ventures.
To learn more about the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, visit HarrisburgU.edu or contact CIE@HarrisburgU.edu.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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