Penn State’s Startup Week, an annual entrepreneurship conference and networking event established in 2016, will take place at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub and virtually from Monday, March 18, to Friday, March 22. The events welcome students to attend hands-on workshops, learn from Penn State alumni, and connect with other entrepreneurial students.

Continuing the annual tradition for its eighth year, Startup Week will feature themed days throughout the week, which correspond to each guest speaker and activity. This year’s themes include:

• Monday: Penn State Student Entrepreneurs
• Tuesday: Funding Your Venture
• Wednesday: Social Impact
• Thursday: Technology
• Friday: Student Entrepreneurs Marketplace at Blue Brick Theatre

Throughout the week, students can attend panel discussions, pitch competitions, and listen to past Startup Week success stories.

Some notable events include Penn State alum Haley Marie McClain Hill, founder and CEO of TORCH Warriorwear, speaking about her time on “Shark Tank” on Tuesday, March 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Hill will walk students through her startup story and how she secured a $150,000 deal from “Shark Tank’s” Lori Greiner. The lecture is available in person and virtually.

Former senior vice president of global research and development of The Hershey Company will host a discussion, followed by a guided chocolate tasting experience — available both in person and virtually. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 20, from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

For a more detailed schedule and registration for individual events, visit the Startup Week website.