National I-Corps™ Program
The National NSF I-Corps™ Program is a seven-week hands-on course designed to enable teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers to understand the potential value of their technology and inventions to society, by teaching participants how to assess the market opportunity for new technology and commercial potential. Teams of three complete the course and receive a $50,000 grant to determine the commercial potential of their innovation.
Understand the process for determining market opportunity for new technology
Gain perspective on the market/industry/customers
Enhance the probability of successful commercialization
Shorten the commercialization timeframe
Significantly increase the likelihood of SBIR/STTR funding
Grant funding for graduate student and prototype materials
Build relationship with NSF and future grant prospects
Learn about entrepreneurship and commercialization
Regional I-Corps™ Program
Regional NSF I-Corps™ Programs facilitate the commercial evaluation of academic research and innovation, and develop potentially eligible teams for the National NSF I-Corps™ Program and a $50,000 I-Corps™ team grant. Over one to two weeks, teams of two or more are introduced to the fundamental I-Corps™ principles, which helps teams explore the potential value of their research or innovation, and quickly and effectively validate their commercialization strategy.
Validate your business model
Improve odds for commercial success
Develop entrepreneurial skills
Establish product-market fit
Achieve eligibility to apply for $50,000 I-Corps™ team grant
My team is ready for I-Corps™. What does the application process look like for each program?
National I-Corps™ Program
Eligible I-Corps™ teams will go through a formal application process, beginning with an application submission to NSF. In the days following, all team members will be coached by the Southwest I-Corps™ team in preparation for their interview with NSF. Teams are evaluated on combination of factors, including commercial readiness of technology, potential market impact of innovation, and team dynamics and qualifications. This process can take up to 30 days.
Regional I-Corps™ Program
The application process begins with an application submission to a Regional NSF I-Corps™ Program of the team’s choosing. In the days following an application submission, the team will be contacted by a member of the Southwest I-Corps™ team with additional details regarding next steps.
Ready to apply? Let’s get started.
To get started with the I-Corps™ team application process, please complete the following form. Once we have received your submission, a member of the Southwest I-Corps™ team will reach out with details regarding next steps.