Wharton Stories: Incubating Ideas

A black-and-white photo of a person on an indoor cycling bike
“I really wanted people to find this safe place, this safe workout, because it’s low-impact. People can come and take a class if they’re 17 years old or if they’re 82 years old.”

Why The Co-Founder of SoulCycle Restarted with a New Fitness Venture

Two Wharton banners are on a red carpet in front of a staircase. Students stand around and check-in at the two tables.
Students applied core concepts from their business courses to solve simulated challenges proposed by Vox Media during this immersive day-long competition.

Undergraduates Tackle Real Media Industry Challenges During This Year’s HuntsmanHacks

Prof. Stephanie Creary speaking and sitting with three panelists before a lecture hall
Diversity experts from Deloitte, the NBA, and Jones Day joined Prof. Stephanie Creary to discuss how innovative organizations are evolving in response to movements like #MeToo and #TakeAKnee.

How Business Leaders Build Inclusive Workplaces in an Era of Discord

Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne smiles in front of a blurry background. She wears a white shirt with large blue and purple earrings.
Alumna social entrepreneur Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne is changing the market for women entrepreneurs of color.

How This Alumna Is Driving $1 Billion to Women of Color Tech Entrepreneurs

Natasha Jacobs has short straight light brown hair and wears a navy shirt. She smiles and faces a girl with dark hair.
After founding her own birth control startup, Natasha Doherty, W’18, joined medical professionals and top academics for a review of leading research in women’s sexual and reproductive health.

A Social Entrepreneur’s Inside Look at the Contraceptive Technology Conference

Graphic of a sparkling human face in dark blue light.
Sachs Program grant-winner Saif Khawaja, W’21, wants to engage engineers and artists alike to experiment with electroluminescent artwork.

This Sachs Award Winning Undergrad Is Exploring New Ways to Experience Art and Music

Grey Mycelium structures
Charlotte de Vaulx, W’19, C’19, tells how a Passion Project grant allowed her to explore the world of 3D Printing while pursuing dual degrees with Wharton and the College.

How This Wharton Undergraduate Is Pursuing the Business, Artistic, and Sustainable Dimensions of 3D Printing

Instahub Light Switch
Michael Wong, W’19, co-founder and CEO of Hult Prize Ivy winner InstaHub, talks about learning from setbacks and the future of a simple device that saves energy one light switch at a time.

How This Wharton/Penn Team Rebounded From a Loss to Win a Social Enterprise Competition

Robert Zou talked at Penn Wharton China Center
Founder, chairman, and CEO of Arrail Group, Robert Zou, WG’94, shares takeaways from his experience as an entrepreneur in China and his success in the health care sector.

6 Pieces of Advice for New Entrepreneurs in China — and Beyond

Founders of the Chicago Furniture Bank, Andrew Witherspoon, James McPhail, and Griffin Amdur hero image
“We’re just so grateful to Penn for allowing us to have this opportunity. It’s amazing that they offer students the ability to positively impact the community on such a large level, and really pursue their dreams.”

Three Wharton Seniors Win the 2018 President’s Engagement Prize for Their Furniture Nonprofit