Hosted by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, The Ohio State University local NSF I-Corps program is an engaging, four-week training program for OSU faculty, staff, and students interested in exploring the market opportunity of their research. The Lean Launchpad approach is a proven process to help systematically test key assumptions about your technology/product/service and the customer problems it may solve.
Learning Objectives
- Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts including customer discovery, value proposition design and business model canvas
- Understand customers’ problems or “pain points” from THEIR perspective
- Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements and decision processes
Course Benefits
- Eligibility for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program which includes a $50,000 grant for qualifying deep tech teams who complete at least 20 customer discovery interviews.
- Increased readiness to apply for early commercialization funding, such as SBIR or STTR programs.
- Valuable market insights to inform the next steps in your research and/or product development.
- Network connections and coaching from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs
- Development of an entrepreneurial mindset and toolset valuable in any career path
Course Format and Schedule
- Asynchronous Component: Complete BEFORE August 29
- Self-Paced Modules: Introduction to the fundamentals of I-Corps and Customer Discovery
- Estimated completion: 4 hours
- In-person Workshops:
- Practice and refine customer discovery techniques
- Goal: conduct 20-30 customer discovery interviews
DATES: September 5, 12, 19, 26
TIME: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Student Entrepreneurs’ Center, 1636 North High Street 43201
Information Webinars
Information webinars are available to provide detailed insights into the I-Corps program. These sessions aim to inform potential applicants about the program's benefits, structure, and requirements.
August 6, 12:00-1:00 p.m. webinar registration
August 13 12:00-1:00 p.m. webinar registration
Questions can be directed to Caroline Crisafulli at crisafulli.1@osu.edu