Penn State

Phospholutions, Inc. seeks to enhance the efficient use of l phosphorus – the second-largest nutrient used in food production worldwide. The company’s core technology, RhizoSorb®, was developed from university research aimed at improving phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture. Phospholutions was nurtured through Invent Penn State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, such as the Happy Valley LaunchBox and the Summer Founders Program powered by PNC Bank, which helped founder Hunter Swisher, a Penn State alumnus, gain mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development support.

Sustainable agriculture technology boosts economic growth in the U.S. by increasing efficiency and crop quality, leading to higher yields and better market prices. It creates jobs in various sectors and opens new markets driven by consumer demand for sustainably produced goods. Additionally, these technologies enhance resilience to climate change and promote rural development, contributing to overall economic stability and public health.

Penn State contributes over $12.1 billion annually to the Commonwealth’s economy. This impact supports and sustains 81,278 jobs across Pennsylvania. The university’s Office of Technology Transfer helps boost local, state, and national economies by helping transfer research – much of it supported by federal investments in fundamental science – into marketable products. In 2023, the Penn State research enterprise saw 220 invention disclosures, 40 U.S. patents issued, 8 startup companies formed, and 42 licenses and options executed.