Program Overview
Interested in starting a food business or working on a food-related project? The Food Innovation Lab offers rolling admissions and on-demand support for Penn students.
Bookable Space for R&D
Book kitchen space in three-hour blocks to test recipes or develop products. Training will be provided.
Sign up for 1:1 advising to talk through your idea, get practical feedback, or determine whether your project is a good fit for the Food Innovation Lab.
Canvas Resource Hub
Receive access to our Canvas site with key resources for lab use, project planning, research support and more.
Support for Tasting Events
Gather feedback from your target customers to test assumptions and refine what you are working on.
Funding
Apply for funding to purchase ingredients for R&D or to support a project that helps validate your idea.
What We Don’t Do
The Food Innovation Lab is an educational space and does not support personal cooking or food sales.
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:
- $100 Ingredient Award
- $500 Project Award
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.
Where to Find Penn Food Founders
Upcoming Events
16
September
Info Session for the Food Innovation Lab in Tangen Hall
14
October
Virtual Info Session for the Food Innovation Lab
22
October
The Food Innovation Lab is hosting the inaugural Penn Food Resources Fair on October 22nd from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on the second floor of Tangen Hall.
Meet Penn programs, clubs, classes, and other campus resources connected to food. Stop by to learn what is available and find new ways to get involved.
Meet Penn programs, clubs, classes, and other campus resources connected to food. Stop by to learn what is available and find new ways to get involved.
Meet Lauren Hooks
Lauren Hooks is the Senior Associate Director of the Food Innovation Lab and brings more than 17 years of experience in culinary innovation, food business operations, and product development. She manages Food Lab programming and advises students as they problem-solve, structure their projects, and navigate the early stages of starting a food business.
“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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