Great Plains I-Corps Wraps First-Ever Discovery 60 Cohort
The NSF Great Plains I-Corps Hub has officially wrapped up its first Discovery 60 cohort, an intensive eight-week program designed to help researchers and entrepreneurs refine their business models, get to know their potential customers, and move closer toward commercialization. Discovery 60 builds upon participants’ earlier I-Corps experience by requiring 60+ customer discovery interviews, which is 3 times the number
Building Something People Actually Want
The number one reason startups fail isn’t lack of funding or poor marketing. Startups often fail because they build something that no one wants. That truth can sting, especially when you’ve poured your time and energy into a business idea. But it’s also why the I-Corps process is so powerful. It forces us to pause, step back, and ask the
Innovation Spotlight: Refining the Future of Learning
What started as a need to improve online learning for his personal computer science studies soon led Kian Ansarinajed and his sister Melika to think bigger. “Initially, I needed a platform with the features I wanted—that was my first step. But, as I talked with friends and proceeded with customer discovery, I learned about the common challenges people faced while
Why Summer Might Be the Best Time to Validate Your Innovation
Summer tends to bring a natural pause to the academic and professional hustle. Calendars ease up, meetings slow down, and for many researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, this quieter season can open the door to something important: time to focus. If you’ve been sitting on an idea—maybe it’s a research project with potential, a side concept you haven’t had the time
South Dakota Mines Professor Revolutionizes Body’s Wound Healing Capabilities
Source: SDM News As early as six months after birth, the human body decreases its hyaluronic acid (HA) expression significantly – a vital molecule that supports tissue structure and regulates cell growth and movement. Found throughout the body, including brain, eyes, joints and skin, HA provides essential lubrication, mechanical support and hydration; however, its decline with age increases the risks
2024 Year in Review
The Great Plains Hub celebrated its second year in 2024, marked by exponential growth and significant milestones. The Hub expanded the number of cohorts offered compared to its inaugural year and hosted its first National I-Corps Program. Additionally, the Hub welcomed the University of Montana as a new partner institution, and connected with three potential institutional partners, with formal partnerships
Using AI to Build Better Thinkers
UNO researchers are leading a National Science Foundation-backed project to elevate critical thinking and problem-solving skills for students in STEM fields. Source: UNO News University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) STEM TRAIL Center Research Director Tracie Reding, Ed.D., has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant for a project called INSIGHTS, which uses AI-powered learning analytics dashboards to improve higher-order
Instructor Highlight: Steve Hanlon
Steve Hanlon is a high-technology executive experienced in product development, operations, and senior management in the medical device sector. He has held Vice President of R&D, President, and CTO positions in both large and start-up organizations, and has enjoyed operating his own consulting company. He serves as the Director of the Health and Bioscience Innovation Hub at University of Wyoming.