Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP)
PennTAP provides Pennsylvania businesses with expert technical assistance from Penn State to solve technology, efficiency, and innovation challenges, supporting economic growth and competitiveness across the state.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Funding varies; determined annually by the Commonwealth budget—typically supports technical assistance activities, not direct research grants.
Summary: Provides free or low-cost technical assistance to Pennsylvania businesses to improve competitiveness and address specific technical challenges.
Key Information: Only Pennsylvania State University may apply for program funding; businesses and researchers access services via PennTAP, not direct grants.
Description
The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) is a state-supported initiative operated by Penn State University to help Pennsylvania-based businesses, particularly small and emerging companies, overcome technical challenges and enhance their competitiveness. PennTAP connects businesses with expert technical advisors who offer guidance in areas such as energy efficiency, environmental compliance, advanced information technology, operations improvement, product development, and more. The program’s services are provided at no or low cost and are designed to help companies that may lack in-house resources or expertise.
PennTAP also facilitates access to university resources, student talent, and funding opportunities for business improvements, such as energy grants and rebates. Its mission is to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation across the Commonwealth by providing objective, experience-based technical and workforce solutions.
