This cohort is full/closed. For other upcoming programs, see our events page. Don’t want to miss updates on upcoming cohorts and other events? Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Course Description

I-Corps Jumpstart will help you explore the commercial viability of your STEM-based innovation idea. I-Corps uses the Lean LaunchPad approach (also called Lean Startup), and it will help you systematically test key assumptions about your technology and the customer problems it might be able to solve better than current alternatives. This assessment of “technology-problem fit” is the critical first step toward commercial success for any technology venture. This free, online course is for faculty, researchers, and students with STEM-based ideas or Intellectual Property and a strong interest in commercializing their technology.

Learning Objectives

• Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, value proposition design, and business model canvas
• Understand customers’ problems (“pain points”) from THEIR perspective
• Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements, and decision processes
• Identify modifications to your technology assumptions required to achieve product-market fit
• Build connections to the commercial ecosystem (i.e. customers, suppliers, funders) for your innovation
• Develop a commercialization roadmap identifying key milestones and required resources to move your idea forward

Course Benefits

• Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams (only deep-tech, university-based teams who complete at least 20-30 customer discovery interviews).
• Receive up to $1,000 in funding for customer discovery-related expenses including but not limited to conference fees, travel, and premium LinkedIn accounts.
• Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development.
• Develop network connections and receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs
• Develop the entrepreneurial mindset and toolset needed for a career in academia, industry, startups, or government
• Receive a digital certificate upon course completion

Course Schedule