IT & Entrepreneurship

One of Wharton’s greatest assets are the many entrepreneurial-minded students with for our 7th “University Around You” installment we wanted to highlight this amazing facet and focus of two key elements: tools for tech entrepreneurs and inspiring new student tech ventures. To achieve that goal, the Strategic Partnership team created a lunch and learn program titled, “University Around You: IT & Entrepreneurship” in partnership with Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship and Lippincott Library.

View our slides and video recording to motivate your entrepreneurial spirit, especially if you are interested in joining the technology sector:

Key Resources for Tech Entrepreneurs

We opened the presentation with key resources for tech entrepreneurs at Wharton led by Marcella Barnhart, Director of Lippincott Library. From Lippincott Library databases (e.g., eMarketerForresterGartnerIDCCB Insights, and PrivCo) to expert in-person assistance from Cathy Ogur, Entrepreneurship Liaison Librarian, student entrepreneurs are well-supported on campus. For more information for entrepreneurs online, visit the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Overview. If you want to book an in-person appointment with Cathy, visit the entrepreneurship subject matter expert page.

Marcella Barnhart, Director of Lippincott Library

Tech Entrepreneur Panel Moderated by Wharton CIO, Dan Alig

Jill Anick, Associate Director at Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship, and Valentina Goutorova, Senior Associate Director Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship, helped us recruit tech entrepreneurs on campus willing to share their challenges and successes with other students. They joined us for a panel-style discussion moderated by Wharton Computing’s own CIO, Dan Alig. Check out the recording above to hear panelist perspectives on the following questions: how to brainstorm tech venture ideas, get started with a tech venture using campus resources, recruit peers, find technical help outside your area of expertise, overcome setbacks and how to stay on top of evolving technologies in your field, and more.

About the Panelists and their companies:

  • Michael Wong, InstaHub, Simple snap-on automation solution for energy savings and reduced carbon footprint.
  • Katherine Sizov, Strella, Biosensing platform that predicts fruit ripeness to prevent waste.
  • David Ongchoco, SkillStackers, Platform for local businesses to automate their digital marketing using a vetted global workforce and automation tools.
  • Sravya Alla and Julie Chen, Peerlift, Non-profit connecting high school students of all backgrounds to a proven selection of exceptional opportunities for college.
From left to right in the front row: Michal Wong (Instahub), David Ongchoco (SkillStackers), Katherine Sizov (Strella), Sravya Alla (Peerlift), Julie Chen (Peerlift), and Dan Alig (CIO Wharton).

About Strategic Partnerships Student Team: 

The University Around You series is brought to you by the Wharton Computing Strategic Partnerships Student Team. Our goal is to provide a clear communication channel between Wharton Computing and students. We focus on building partnerships by engaging with students year-round through surveys, focus groups, and ad hoc outreach. We analyze findings and then work with relevant service teams and individuals to ensure continual process improvement.  Alex Milne leads the Student Strategic Partnership team. He is a Wharton Computing veteran with a long list of accomplishments here and at his previous role at Harvard University. Erin Murphy is a long-time contributor to Wharton Computing, providing exhaustive research, analysis, and development work.