Launchpad visits Pennovation Works to educate and inspire students to thrive in the modern technical workplace [recap]

On February 1st, Pennovation Works hosted Launchpad students and faculty for a tour of the ecosystem, a Q&A session, and demonstrations from a robotics company and the Polyhedral Structures Lab, a University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design research unit.

Launchpad is a workforce development program that encourages traditionally underrepresented junior and senior high school students to follow their passion and explore careers within the tech industry. As part of the program, students are equipped with various tools and technical skills needed to excel in the workplace. 

During their visit, the twenty-five students and three faculty leaders learned about the history and vision of Pennovation Works. Associate Director of Experience and Engagement, Kirsten King and Manager of Laboratory Operations, Edward Bell, led students throughout the Pennovation Center to explore the various startups in the ecosystem and learn more about current projects. Kirsten and Edward also shared stories of member companies, emphasizing that no matter your age, you can transform your ideas into concepts, which can then evolve into research and a business model.

As the tour of the ecosystem progressed, students also heard from Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh of the Polyhedral Structures Lab. Dr. Akbarzadeh informed students about innovative and sustainable construction techniques resulting in carbon absorbing structures, reusable construction material, and geometric designs that can lead to extremely heavy load-bearing capacity.

Pennovation Works was thrilled to host the Launchpad students while offering exposure to our community of innovators and the tech industry. “We were so happy to have the students and their teachers onsite. We could see the light bulbs going off over their heads as they asked a lot of great questions. They were a wonderful group, and we’re excited to continue our relationship with Launchpad and host them at Pennovation Works again in the future,” shared Kirsten King.