WE ARE INTUITIVE
Ready to take your research to the next level? National Science Foundation I-Corps programs empower innovators to understand the potential value of their research or ideas by teaching them how to view their research through the eyes of their customers. Nationally recognized instructors, mentors, and experienced entrepreneurs offer support throughout your innovation journey. Through iterative testing and validation, participants discover their ideas’ potential. Whether or not you’re pursuing entrepreneurship, these programs offer an invaluable professional development opportunity.
program snapshot
Course Requirement
I-Corps programs have an exciting purpose: they teach university innovators how to think like entrepreneurs. The number one reason startups fail is by building a product that does not solve a customer need. I-Corps enables innovators to avoid this by teaching:
- How to interview potential customers to understand their needs.
- How to determine the value of your idea from a customer’s perspective.
- How to understand the ecosystem around your idea or innovation.
PARTICIPATION
I-Corps workshops are for all university innovators and researchers, including grad students, medical students, faculty, and postdocs.
We offer additional programs open to everyone, including undergraduate students, and community teams.
BENEFITS
- Build your network with industry and academic professionals.
- Learn essential skills for a career in entrepreneurship, industry, academia, and more.
- Increase your odds of receiving future innovation grants such as federal STTR/SBIR, NSF funding, University of Michigan grants, state grants, etc.
- Receive guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs through coaching sessions.
- Receive up to $1,000 to cover customer discovery expenses.
- Upon workshop completion, receive a digital certificate.