Expanding Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Next steps after completing a Regional I-Corps Program

Congratulations on successfully completing the Regional I-Corps training! By actively participating in this program and dedicating time to customer discovery, you have taken a significant step towards commercializing your innovation. However, your journey does not end here. In this blog post, we will explore potential next steps that you can consider to further advance your entrepreneurial pursuits and continue your customer discovery work.

The National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program (I-Corps™) is an immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. If your innovation was developed in a university lab, you have completed a Regional I-Corps training or have prior NSF funding, possess intellectual property rights, and have a qualified team, the National I-Corps program is an excellent pathway for you. By joining this program, you can receive a $50,000 grant to support further business model exploration. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with a cohort of 20+ teams and become part of the national innovation ecosystem. Successful participation in the National I-Corps program also opens doors to eligibility for follow-on funding opportunities like SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grants.

The National I-Corps program provides a valuable opportunity to further develop your innovation. To be eligible, your innovation should have been developed in a university lab with existing intellectual property rights. Active participation in a Regional I-Corps Training or prior NSF funding is required along with completing at least 15-20 interviews during customer discovery. 

Benefits of the National I-Corps program include:

  • A $50,000 grant to support your business model exploration.
  • Exposure to a diverse cohort of 20+ teams, allowing for networking and collaboration within the national innovation ecosystem.
  • Eligibility for follow-on funding opportunities such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.


Read more about the National I-Corps Application process.

For those looking to build upon their prototype and pursue a path of research partnerships and tech translation, the NSF Partnership for Innovation (PFI) offers valuable opportunities. PFI-TT focuses on translating research outcomes into commercializable technologies, while PFI-RP emphasizes collaborative research between academia and industry. These programs can provide funding and resources to further develop your innovation and navigate the commercialization process effectively.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are ideal for entrepreneurs seeking capital to develop unproven innovations with significant commercialization potential. SBIR/STTR grants provide funding in three phases, enabling you to develop and validate your technology prototype while stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship. These programs have connections with all 11 federal agencies, ensuring a broad range of funding opportunities based on your innovation’s focus area.

Connect with your state’s Federal And State Technology (FAST) program partner.

Apart from the aforementioned programs, it is essential to explore additional resources that can support your entrepreneurial journey:

  • University Technology Transfer Office: Engage with your university’s Technology Transfer Office to leverage their expertise in intellectual property management, licensing, and industry collaborations.
  • State Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): SBDCs offer guidance, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and can assist in finding funding sources, developing business plans, and connecting with industry networks.
  • Community Incubators and Accelerators: Connect with local incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial communities to access mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential funding sources.
  • State Funding Opportunities: Investigate state-specific grants, investment matching programs, and third-party service matches that may be available to support the commercialization of your innovation.
  • State-Sponsored University Commercialization Research: Some states offer funding programs specifically aimed at supporting university research with commercialization potential. Explore these opportunities to access additional resources.

 

Completing a Regional I-Corps training marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards commercializing your innovation. By considering the next steps outlined above, including the National I-Corps program, NSF PFI, SBIR/STTR grants, and exploring additional resources, you can continue to build upon your customer discovery work and further propel your entrepreneurial aspirations. Remember to leverage the support networks available to you, including university resources, community organizations, and state funding opportunities. Embrace the entrepreneurial mindset, and let your passion for innovation drive you towards success.