Penn State University revealed in a news release that Joy Tac (a student startup from Penn State Harrisburg) won first place and $15,000 in the 2025 Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition. And as a kickoff to Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC, six student teams from four Penn State campuses pitched their startups to a panel of judges, competing for $30,000 in total funding prizes.
Created by Erin Godfrey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and kinesiology student at Penn State Harrisburg, Joy Tac aims to transform firearm retention for law enforcement with its Single Press Angular Retention (SPAR) system. And the SPAR holster is designed to enhance officer safety by improving security without compromising performance in high-risk situations.
Second place (receiving $10,000) was awarded to Orest Luzeckyj Artwork. Launched by Orest Luzeckyj, a business management and marketing major at Penn State Abington, the startup connects customers with high-quality artwork and the artists they admire.
Third place (receiving $5,000) was awarded to 5South5. Launched by Danny Vitale, a Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications student at Penn State University Park, the startup helps creators, athletes, and influencers grow their audience and monetize their talent.
The following student startups were also awarded funding:
— $2,500 People’s Choice Award — Core Carry, founded by Nicholas Nadreau, a Smeal College of Business student at Penn State University Park. The company designs sleek, minimalist wallets for modern lifestyles.
— $1,000 Startup Spark Award — Bapanada, founded by Brandon Christian Everett, an international business student at Penn State Berks. The startup aims to redefine affordable grab-and-go dining while addressing food security and accessibility. The Startup Spark Award recognizes one campus applicant for exceptional innovation and potential.
Before the competition, finalists gained access to pitch training and startup support services. In addition, teams received support from the Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic to help establish LLCs and the Penn State Dickinson Law Intellectual Property Clinic for patent and intellectual property assistance.
You can watch the competition below:
KEY QUOTES:
“Receiving positive feedback from people outside the startup was a huge confidence boost. The funding will help us complete product development and cover some patent and legal fees. Even though it was a competition, everyone was very welcoming, supportive, and eager to share advice — it truly felt like a community.”
- Erin Godfrey
“Every year, we are blown away by the passion and innovation of these student entrepreneurs. It’s incredible to see how their ideas evolve throughout the competition, and we’re excited to continue supporting their journeys as they bring these ventures to life.”
- Joanna Sutton, director of the Inc.U Competition
