I-corps

NSF I-Corps program

Amplify the Impact of Your Research                 

Hosted by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, The Ohio State University local NSF I-Corps program is an engaging, four-week training program for faculty, postdocs, graduate students and staff who are interested in exploring the market opportunity of their research. Guided by NSF I-Corps-trained instructors, participants will develop an understanding of their target customers and market landscape. 

Learning Objectives

  • Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as 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

  • Increased readiness to apply for early commercialization funding, such as SBIR/STTR programs
  • Valuable market insights to inform 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 skills valuable in any career path

Course Format

The program is conducted in two phases: an asynchronous component and an in-person workshop series. 

Asynchronous I-Corps Prep:

  • Self-Paced Modules. Estimated completion time is ~2 hours,
  • Introduction to the fundamentals of I-Corps and customer discovery
  • Completion required before in-person sessions

In-person Workshop Series:

  • Focus on learning and practicing customer discovery techniques
  • Provide weekly summaries about customer discovery findings 
  • Goal: conduct 20 customer discovery interviews

Program Schedule 

 

DATES:            In-person Sessions: November 14, 21, December 5, 12

TIME:               9:00-11:30AM

LOCATION:      Student Entrepreneurs’ Center, 1636 North High Street 43201 

 

Questions can be directed to Caroline Crisafulli:   crisafulli.1@osu.edu