Philadelphia, PA – October 24, 2003 – The Weiss Tech House, a newly constructed 3000 square foot interdisciplinary forum and workspace at the University of Pennsylvania, is holding its Dedication today in honor of George A. Weiss, W'65, whose multi-million dollar donation made Weiss Tech House a reality. The Dedication will be held at 5:00 pm at the Melvin J. and Claire Levine Hall, which adjoins the Weiss Tech House, located at 3330 Walnut Street. Governor Rendell is scheduled to join Dr. Judith Rodin, University of Pennsylvania President, and Dr. Karl Ulrich, Faculty Director for Weiss Tech House, in the Dedication.

Headed by Anne Stamer, the Weiss Tech House (WTH) opened its doors in May, 2003 for the 2003-2004 school year with an exciting variety of informational and educational forums designed to promote innovation throughout the student population. Along with versatile space and high-speed Internet access, WTH offers students the unusual opportunity to make their ideas become realities through mentorship and funding for innovative projects. As a "hub," the WTH serves the entire UPenn community, bringing together diverse talents to create useful products and services.

"With support and resources, undergraduates now have a place that can help them commercialize their innovative technology. The Weiss Tech House is becoming an integral part of the innovative community at Penn, and in the greater Philadelphia area," said Karl Ulrich. "Students, mentors, and directors have stepped up to the challenge and put together a program that is changing the way students are educated."

Daven Johnson, co-Student Director of the WTH and college senior completing the Management and Technology Dual-Degree Program, said, "It is amazing how quickly the Tech House has grown and matured. We are putting together a part of Penn that will be around when the next great technology is released, making people's lives better by expanding opportunities and resources."

The Innovation Fund at WTH
Through classes or on their own, students with innovative projects can apply for the Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund Committee selects and supports student projects in the Weiss Tech House. Projects that apply are immediately given helpful advice, and those that are accepted as WTH Projects are eligible for personal mentors, funding ($1,000 per semester), space to work, and access to networked resources, including legal advice, marketing advice, proven entrepreneurs, and international alliances. One project, Smiling Screens, has incorporated itself and is launching its first product in October.

Other committees at the Weiss Tech House are House Projects, Marketing, and Mentoring. Students can apply for positions at the Weiss Tech House, including a paid internship during the summer. A New Student Orientation (NSO) event was held in September for over 40 freshman to introduce them to the new facility.

Giving Back to the Community
The Weiss Tech House already has taken an active role in the Penn community. Earlier this year, Weiss Tech House gave the YMCA summer computer camp a tour of Penn Engineering. In addition, summer interns completed various projects, including an online database for the English Department at Penn, a Science & Technology Club for the Penn Alexander Elementary School, and a digital art display for the Walnut Street entrance to newly-constructed Levine Hall.

Resource-sharing relationships have been established with complementary programs at Penn, including Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs (WEP), the Center for Technology Transfer (CTT), and the Science and Technology Wing (STWing).

About the Weiss Tech House
Founded in May 2003, the Weiss Tech House is a student-run interdisciplinary forum that supports projects without taking ownership. Funding, space, and mentoring are arranged for selected projects through committees. Projects fall into four areas: Education, Marketable Products, Enhancing the Penn Community, and Social and Environmental Impact. A space for innovation, the Weiss Tech House was built with a multimillion-dollar donation from George Weiss, philanthropist and money-manager. The Weiss Tech House mission statement states that its purpose is to "encourage and support students in the creation, development and commercialization of innovative technologies." For more information about the Weiss Tech House, visit its website at www.tech-house.upenn.edu.