NSF I-Corps at UIC
NSF I-Corps Heading link
Are you interested in taking your innovative idea, technology, or process commercial? UIC is an affiliate with the Great Lakes Region NSF I-Corps Hub which provides opportunities for students and faculty to participate in events at UIC and throughout the region.
The purpose of the NSF-funded I-Corps Hub Program is to foster entrepreneurship that will lead to the commercialization of technology and to develop team readiness for the teams going on to the I-Corps National I-Corps program.
Participation in the program can lead to qualification for research and other funding from several granting agencies, including the NSF I-Corps and SBIR/STTR programs and various state and regional programs. Past participants have reported that they saved time and money by better understanding potential applications of their technology, experienced improved engagement with teams, and improved their ability to receive add-on funding.
Programming Details Heading link
LOCAL
UIC’s local programs are designed to help faculty members and students understand and develop the key questions necessary to decide whether starting a business is a viable option. Topics explored include:
- Ideation
- Customer Discovery
- Using the Business Model Canvas
REGIONAL
Regional programs offer an immersive training opportunity tailored to researchers and students eager to explore the commercialization 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 want to make an impact with your research, joining this NSF I-Corps program is a great place to start. Topics explored include:
- Getting out of the building and talking with customers
- Deepening your understanding of your problem
NATIONAL
The NSF I-Corps National Program is designed to prepare scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge, NSF-funded research into commercial success.
Upcoming NSF I-Corps Events Heading link
How will your work impact society? Heading link
Join us! The Great Lakes I-Corps Hub is advancing academic innovation and entrepreneurship education. The Great Lakes Regional I-Corps Hub partners with 15+ universities throughout the Midwest to reimagine the university innovation process from research ideation to invention to spinout. The Great Lakes I-Corps Hub hosts local and regional I-Corps courses to develop the technical leaders of tomorrow by providing them with the skills, network, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to pursue their future path of purpose. An NSF-Funded program, the hub enables researchers and students to take the next steps in their innovation journey.
