Overview of NSF’s I-Corps 

The is a suite of activities and programs that aim to:

  • Prepare scientists and researchers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory.
  • Broaden the impact of basic-research projects by translating technology into commercial products.
  • Combine experience and guidance from established entrepreneurs with a targeted curriculum.

I-Corps is a public-private partnership program that teaches grantees to identify valuable product opportunities that can emerge from academic research and offers entrepreneurship training to student participants.

I-Corps is structured nationally into:

  • a nationwide program composed of academic researchers, student entrepreneurs and business mentors that participate in a rigorous administered through on-site activities and via online instruction.
  • are regional in their footprint and serve as recruitment programs for the I-Corps Teams program through short, introductory workshops.
  • catalyze additional groups to explore potential I-Corps Team projects and other entrepreneurial opportunities that build on basic research through targeted early-stage programs.
  • Together, the I-Corps programs strengthen the innovation ecosystem at the local and national levels.

Resources