Course Description

The Missouri S&T NSF I-CorpsTM program is an eight-week, virtual course designed to equip researchers and innovators with the skills to identify and validate customer needs, create a compelling value proposition, and achieve product-market fit.

Course Overview

• Principles of customer discovery
• Interviewing techniques
• Survey design
• Identifying your value proposition

Participants will learn how to use these insights to develop a unique value proposition and refine their product offering to meet the needs of their target market. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and expert mentorship, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the innovation process and how to increase their chances of commercial success.

Course Benefits

• Mini-grant eligibility (~$500) for completed customer discovery interviews, with potential reimbursement for travel expenses.
• Preparation for SBIR/STTR Applications: Learn the fundamentals for applying to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Develop network connections and receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs.
• Market Insights to guide your next steps in research and development.
• Networking Opportunities with industry experts and entrepreneurs, plus mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial Skillset to thrive in academia, industry, startups, or government.
• 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).

Course Schedule