The I-Corps™ Mentor Network embodies the public–private partnership at the heart of the NSF Innovation Corps. Through the Network, I-Corps™ Teams have access to a broad range of commercialization expertise as well as potential sources for business relationships and partnerships.
Role of I-Corps™ Mentors
The I-Corps™ Mentor plays an essential role within each project team: providing insight from the private sector. This individual typically is experienced or is an emerging entrepreneur with experience in transitioning technology out of academic labs.
The I-Corps™ Mentor will serve as the principal guide in determining the technology disposition. He or she also will be responsible for regularly updating the cognizant NSF I-Corps™ program director on progress toward this goal.
Mentors need to be intimately involved with their team. As part of the 15 hours of effort, the mentors need to commit five (three for the curriculum + two) hours of “face time” per week, and cannot “dial in” their team meetings.
Interested in mentoring an I-Corps™ Team?
Please make a request to join the following LinkedIn group: Potential NSF I-Corps Mentors.