The Ohio State University local NSF I-Corps program offers an immersive four-week training tailored to researchers and students eager to explore the commercial potential of their research.
This program is designed to provide faculty, staff, and students with an opportunity to develop marketable ideas and accelerate the startup process. If you are looking to make an impact with your research, joining our NSF I-Corps program is a great place to start.
Course Description
This course will help you explore the commercial viability of your innovation. The Lean Launchpad approach is a process to help you systematically test key assumptions about your technology/product/service and the customer problems it may solve. This process will help you narrow your focus as you test specific hypotheses about your proposed product/service.
Learning Objectives
- Develop familiarity with Lean Launchpad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, ecosystem mapping, and the Value Proposition Canvas
- Understand customers’ problems (“pain points”) from THEIR perspective.
- Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements, and decision processes.
- Build connections to the commercial ecosystem (i.e., customers, suppliers, funders) for your innovation.
Course Benefits
- Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and a $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams
- Prepare to apply to the NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) commercialization grant programs, etc.
- Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development.
- Develop network connections and receive mentoring from experienced experts and entrepreneurs.
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and toolset beneficial for any career
Next Cohort Dates for Spring 2025
All sessions are held at the Student Entrepreneurs’ Center on Friday mornings from 9 - 11 a.m.
- January 31, 9-11:30 a.m.
- February 7, 9-11:30 a.m.
- February 14, 9-11:30 a.m.
- February 21, 9-11:30 a.m.
- March 7, 9-11:30 a.m.
Registration link: https://www.greatlakesicorps.org/event/osu-i-corps/
Information sessions
Information sessions are conducted regularly to provide detailed insights into the I-Corps program. These sessions aim to inform potential applicants about the program's benefits, structure, and requirements.
- January 9, 2025 12 p.m. Registration Link
- January 14, 2025 12 p.m. Registration Link
Questions can be directed to Caroline Crisafulli at crisafulli.1@osu.edu