UIC I-Corps Local Course

Turn your ideas into reality with UIC Innovation! 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. At the conclusion of the program, participants are encouraged to apply for the national level with the NSF I-Corps program where you can be eligible to be awarded up to $50,000 in funding. This course provides a set of skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path.

Registration deadline: January 10, 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, including customers, suppliers, and funders, for innovation.

Course Benefits

• Develop best practices for conducting customer discovery and identifying key stakeholders;
• 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 $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