The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State is currently accepting applications for a shot to appear on WPSU Radio’s TV show, “The Investment,” modeled after ABC’s critically acclaimed “Shark Tank.:

The 2021 competition will award six groups of student entrepreneurs a chance to earn a share of $30,000 to use as financial backing for their respective companies. The program will be used to determine this year’s winners.

To apply, undergraduate student entrepreneurs must submit a two-and-a-half-minute video about their company by February 8. The six finalists will get announced on February 12. Then, on April 10 the taping of, “The Investment” will take place.

Current undergraduate students (and fall 2020 graduates) who are in good academic standing may apply for the show. Undergraduate students must own at least 50% of the company, which needs to be legally established before February 15.

Last year, “The Investment” took place virtually due to COVID-19, and this year will be no different. PennTAP director Tanna Pugh said her organization, as well as TV partner WPSU, plan to make improvements to the virtual experience this year.

“We’re hoping the virtual format will encourage even more participation from across the Commonwealth Campuses,” Pugh said. “Pitch competitions like Inc.U not only provide students with mentoring, funding resources, and an invaluable learning experience, but they also play a key role in fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the overall economic development in Pennsylvania.”

The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The prize money is awarded due to the support of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, Invent Penn State, the Penn State College of Engineering’s Entrepreneurship Program, and the Robert and Tammy Morgan Entrepreneurship Fund.