UIC I-Corps Local Course

This NSF I-Corps local program gives participants an introduction to the Lean Launchpad methodology and familiarize them with the Business Model Canvas and customer discovery. This course provides a set of skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path.

Registration deadline: January 29th, 2025

Learning Objectives

• Familiarizing oneself with tools like customer discovery, ecosystem mapping, and the Value Proposition Canvas;
• Understanding customers’ pain points from their perspective via interviews;
• Mapping the customer ecosystem to comprehend customer roles, requirements, and decision processes;
• Establishing connections with the commercial ecosystem for innovation, including customers, suppliers, and funders.

Course Benefits

• Develop best practices for conducting customer discovery and identifying key stakeholders;
• Earn $1,000 in for a customer discovery stipend
• Learn, practice, and hone your innovation skills. Improve the odds for commercial success;
• Understand market trends and needs in your ecosystem;
• Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors;
• Obtain eligibility to apply for a $50,000 grant from the National NSF I-Corps team grant;
• Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

Full Course Schedule

• February 4 | Course pre-work assigned | E-mail
• February 11 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 1 | Zoom
• February 18 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 2 | Zoom
• February 25 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 3 | Zoom
• March 4 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 4 | Zoom
• March 11 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 5 | Zoom
• March 18 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Session 6 | Zoom