The Ohio State University I-Corps course will help you explore the commercial viability of your innovation. The Lean Launchpad approach is a process to help you systematically test key assumptions about your technology/product/service and the customer problems it may solve. This process will help you narrow your focus as you test specific hypotheses about your proposed product/service.

Learning Objectives

• Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, ecosystem mapping, and the Value Proposition Canvas
• Understand customers’ problems (“pain points”) from THEIR perspective
• Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements, and decision processes
• Build connections to the commercial ecosystem (i.e. customers, suppliers, funders) for your innovation

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).
• 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

Course Schedule

• May 24, 2024, In-person Orientation at the IMR Innovation Lab from 9-11am ET
• May 31, 2024, on Zoom from 9-11am ET
• June 7, 2024, on Zoom from 9-11am ET
• June 14, 2024, on Zoom from 9-11am ET
• June 28, 2024, In-person- finale at the IMR Innovation Lab from 9-11am ET

Please fill out the following application and you will be contacted by program staff regarding acceptance. Questions can be directed to Brian Genide, genide.3@osu.edu.

Register