Meeting three times over the course of several weeks, Iowa JPEC’s NSF I-Corps Workshop is designed to provide University of Iowa faculty, staff, and with the opportunity to develop marketable ideas and accelerate the startup process. If you are looking to make an impact with your research – joining our NSF I-Corps program is a great place to start. This workshop will give participants an introduction to the Lean Launchpad methodology and familiarize them with the Business Model Canvas and customer discovery. At the conclusion of the program, participants are encouraged to then apply for the national level with the NSF I-Corps program where you can be eligible to be awarded up to $50,000 in funding.

Learning Objectives

• Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, ecosystem mapping, and the Business Model 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)
• Learn, practice, and hone your innovation skills.
• Improve the odds for commercial success.
• Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors.
• Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer programs (STTR).

Course Details

• What: NSF I-Corps – virtually held over Zoom
• Dates: Mondays — April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1
• Time: 6-8 p.m

Please fill out the following application. Questions can be directed to kurtheiar@uiowa.edu. 

Apply