What You'll Gain
Canvas Resource Hub
Gain access to our online portal covering orientation, booking kitchen time, project planning, recipe development, category research, restaurant development and more.
Access is granted when students are accepted for kitchen access.
Access is granted when students are accepted for kitchen access.
Facilities
Access to The Food Innovation Lab's fully equipped 800-square-foot kitchen inside Tangen Hall.
Coming Soon: List of Equipment
Coming Soon: List of Equipment
Hands-On Skill Development
Gain hands-on experience on how to work in a professional kitchen, develop recipes/ formulations, navigate food regulations specific to your project, and outline costs and map out the path to market.
Mentorship Opportunities
Receive one-on-one advising from the Food Lab Manager and connect with visiting food founders and industry experts.
Opportunities for Funding
Students who engage consistently in the Lab may qualify for ingredient awards, project funding, and opportunities to feature their work at Food Lab events.
Community
Connect with peers informally while working side by side in the kitchen and attend events to share ideas and explore food industry challenges together.
Program Overview
The Food Innovation Lab provides Penn students with a structured pathway to explore food entrepreneurship, whether developing food products, creating restaurant concepts, or addressing challenges in the food industry.
Book 3-hour kitchen sessions to our 800 sq ft licensed commercial kitchen after completing a short orientation. Use the space to test recipes, experiment, and explore food business ideas. Eligible participants may also receive ingredient awards, locker storage, and a chance to join tasting events.
Independent Project Track (Spring–Summer)
Apply with a clear food-related project or business concept. Accepted teams receive $500 to move their ideas forward.
Application opens in January
Application opens in January
Meet one-on-one with the Kitchen Manager to ask questions, get feedback, or figure out whether your project fits the Lab.
FAQ
Do I need prior cooking, kitchen, or business experience?
No experience is required. Training and guidance will be provided. The Food Innovation Lab is designed to be a space where students can learn, experiment, and grow. All students must complete a safety orientation, and on your first day you’ll receive training on how to work in a professional kitchen.
Who is this program for?
Currently enrolled Penn students who want to test food products, develop restaurant concepts or solve problems in the food industry.
What outcomes can I expect?
The main goal of the Food Innovation Lab is learning. All projects are student-led, and outcomes depend on the work you put in. Some students have gone on to launch food products or restaurants, while others discovered that their idea wasn’t a viable business model. In both cases, you’ll gain skills, insight, and experience that will benefit your future work in food and entrepreneurship.
Are there funding or scholarship opportunities?
Yes, students who actively participate in the Lab may qualify for:
- Ingredient Awards: $100 after attending at least three kitchen sessions.
- Independent Project Track Awards: $500 to support approved projects or ventures.
Is my project a good fit for the Food Innovation Lab?
Most food-related projects can be supported in the Lab. However, we cannot accommodate alcoholic or CBD products, dietary supplements, products making unsubstantiated health claims, pet food, or any concepts that do not follow food safety guidelines.
Will I need to bring my own ingredients?
Yes. Students are responsible for supplying their own ingredients, though the Food Lab maintains a shared pantry of basic items for everyone to use. After attending three kitchen sessions, you may also apply for a $100 ingredient award to help cover expenses.
Lauren has 15+ years of experience in culinary innovation, restaurant operations, and product development. She manages all programming at the Food Innovation Lab and offers advice to help students problem-solve, structure their projects, and navigate the complexities of starting a food business.
Questions? Email us!
Questions? Email us!
“The Food Lab is an incredible space that blends creativity and practicality, giving students hands-on experience and tailored highly applicable knowledge about the food startup world.”
Phoenix Diller, Founder, Food Like Me
“The food innovation lab exists as a space to support student entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space. Students can work on creating restaurant concepts or developing food products. They can develop recipes, fine tune their concepts, host tasting events to gain consumer insight and outline the path to market. The food innovation lab offers advising from staff on site and connects students to industry experts to meet students’ individual needs.”
Lauren Hooks, Food Innovation Lab Manager
Latest News
Learn more about past food startups from the Food Innovation Lab and their success stories
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