Building A Successful I-Corps Team

Ensure you have the right mix of skills and expertise on your team to experience the program's full potential.

The Regional I-Corps program is not just an opportunity; it’s a gateway for researchers and entrepreneurs to begin transforming their innovative ideas into market-ready products. The journey to success in this program begins with building a committed team. Here’s a guide on how to build your team, ensuring you have the right mix of skills and expertise to experience the program’s full potential. 

Anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset and an idea can apply to the Regional I-Corps. However, to qualify for the National I-Corps training, your team should include three key roles:  

  • Technical Lead (TL): Typically, a faculty member or postdoctoral researcher who has invented the core technology. The TL serves as the principal investigator (PI), bringing deep technical knowledge and insight into the innovation. 
  • Entrepreneurial Lead (EL): Usually a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher, the EL drives commercialization efforts, is passionate about bringing the technology to market and leads the team through the I-Corps program.  
  • Industry Mentor (IM): An external expert with significant business or entrepreneurial experience, the IM offers valuable external perspective and unbiased advice. This person should be independent of the technology development and team.  
 
 

Michael Russell, the Hub’s Innovator Outreach Specialist, emphasizes the importance of filling all three roles: “Teams set themselves up to have the most success in the program if they have an EL, TL, and IM. By having all three pieces, they can qualify for the National I-Corps program following the regional program. Beyond Nationals, teams with all three members are likely to be more successful and reach their interview goals by leveraging the unique strengths of each role.”  

A blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and industry insights ensures that all product development and commercialization aspects are covered. Diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions and better problem-solving capabilities, with each role tackling different challenges. An industry mentor with a strong professional background can add credibility to your venture and open doors to valuable connections, partners, and investors. The I-Corps program focuses on understanding customer needs and validating business hypotheses, and with a committed entrepreneurial lead and the guidance of both the technical lead and industry mentor, your team can effectively engage with potential customers and stakeholders. 

Michael Russell works one-on-one with individuals interested in participating in I-Corps to help them build their teams. He advises, “If you’re interested in participating in I-Corps but don’t have a fully built-out team, you should still apply! By applying early, well before the application deadline, I can work with you to help you build your team.” His support can be invaluable in finding and connecting with potential team members, ensuring you have the best possible foundation for success. 

Building the right team for Regional I-Corps training is your first step toward successful commercialization. By carefully selecting your technical lead, entrepreneurial lead, and industry mentor, and ensuring their full engagement, you position your team to thrive in the I-Corps program and beyond. Embrace the journey of customer discovery and leverage the insights gained to bring your innovative technology to market. Apply early and take advantage of the support available at The Great Plains I-Corps Hub to help you build your team.