The Milwaukee I-Corps Program helps researchers and academic entrepreneurs explore the viability of their research discoveries and/or technologies through the “Lean Launch” process of direct engagement with the potential markets in a series of online workshops.

The program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a collaboration among five Milwaukee academic institutions: Concordia University of Wisconsin, Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee along with the UWM Research Foundation.

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.

Course Schedule

Monday, 2/20 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT

Monday, 2/27 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT

Monday, 3/6 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT

Monday, 3/13 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT

Monday, 3/20 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT

Please fill out the following application and you will be contacted within 2 business days regarding acceptance. Questions can be directed to avdeev@uwm.edu. 

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