What is I-Corps?

I-Corps empowers teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers to understand the potential value of their technology and inventions in the market through the Lean LaunchPad methodology, the business model canvas, and customer discovery interviews.

Why participate in I-Corps?

I-Corps programs teach university innovators–faculty, PhDs, PostDocs, grad students, and undergraduate students–how to think like entrepreneurs. However, you don’t need to be pursuing a career in entrepreneurship to glean valuable skills from I-Corps. Using Lean LaunchPad methodology, I-Corps programs help participants think about their research and innovative ideas from a business and customer perspective. The programs also teach participants crucial interpersonal business skills, like how to conduct customer discovery interviews, and often introduce innovators to new research thrusts and areas of exploration.

What are the benefits of I-Corps?

• Develop best practices for conducting customer discovery and identifying key stakeholders
• Learn, practice, and hone your innovation skills
• Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors
• Improve the odds for commercial success
• Understand market trends and needs in your ecosystem
• Obtain eligibility to apply for the National NSF I-Corps^TM team grant and $50,000.
• Prepare for SBIR or STTR applications and programs