Penn State Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship (HESE)

HESE is an integrated learning, research, and entrepreneurship program that brings together students and faculty across campus in the rigorous research, design, field-testing, and launch of technology-based enterprises in low- and middle-income countries. Through a series of five courses, HESE teams systematically advance ventures over multiple years with aspirations for large-scale commercialization and dissemination. Alongside the social enterprises, students work on original publishable research that strengthen ventures by ensuring they use an evidence-based and data-driven approach. The overarching goal is to deliver sustainable impact while preparing students for careers in social innovation and global sustainable development. HESE is housed in the School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs (SEDTAPP) in the College of Engineering at Penn State.