July 13, 2023
Syracuse University will host a free, virtual U.S. National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) regional course this fall. The program is for university-based STEM researchers and early-stage startup founders who are interested in exploring the market potential of their work and learning entrepreneurial skills.
Participants will learn to apply discovery methodology to help translate technology innovation from the lab into a successful product and/or service through a better understanding of how to achieve product-market fit.
The monthlong virtual course will be offered Sept. 18-Oct. 18 through Syracuse University as a partner in the Interior Northeast I-Corps Hub (IN I-Corps), funded by the NSF, led by Cornell University and with other collaborators, including Dartmouth College, Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Buffalo, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of Vermont and West Virginia University. The Hub is part of the National Innovation Network, connecting researchers, entrepreneurial communities and federal agencies to help commercialize research.
Register for the upcoming course hosted by Syracuse University.
Course Overview
This virtual course combines self-directed online learning activities, with six Zoom-based class meetings and one-on-one instructor check ins. The course is technology-agnostic, and any sufficiently developed (i.e., beyond ideation) tech innovation team is welcome to apply. In the first half of the course, teams learn how to identify target customer segments, develop hypotheses about the value proposition offered to each customer segment and effectively interview potential customers about their problems/needs. In the second half of the course, teams will conduct customer discovery and join personalized calls with instructors to share progress and receive coaching. In the final class, teams present their findings, receive additional coaching, learn about other local entrepreneurship programs and receive information about applying for the national I-Corps Teams program and various grants.Applicant Information
Criteria for apply to the program are as follows:- Applicants should have an early-state technology innovation, with either a prototype or some form of scientific validation.
- Teams of one to three people may apply.
- All team members are required to attend and participate fully in every course session and complete all coursework to be considered for NSF lineage and a nomination for the national I-Corps Team.