Enroll in this free innovation bootcamp focused on customer discovery. I-Corps is designed to equip participants with skills for designing products and services that benefit customers. Gain insights for developing a strategy to transition technology from lab to market. The course provides structured lectures and best practices to support teams in engaging with customers effectively.
Application deadline is Monday, January 13.
Applications are reviewed as they are received, so to have the best chance of reserving your spot in our upcoming cohort, apply well before the application deadline.
Schedule
Tuesday, January 28 | 10am – 12pm CST / 9am – 11am MST
Wednesday, January 29 | 10am – 1pm CST / 9am – 12pm MST
Wednesday, February 5 | 10am – 1pm CST / 9am – 12pm MST
Wednesday, February 12 | 10am – 1pm CST / 9am – 12pm MST
Wednesday, February 19 | 10am – 1pm CST / 9am – 12pm MST
Friday, February 28 | 10am – 1pm CST / 9am – 12pm MST
Learning Objectives
- Develop and test customer hypotheses and problem hypotheses
- Build an understanding of Learn Launchpad concepts such as customer discovery, ecosystem mapping and value proposition
- Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, key players and how decisions are made
- Conduct 20+ customer discovery interviews
- Build connections with the commercial ecosystem, including customers, suppliers, and funders, for innovation.
Program Benefits
- Gain eligibility for the NSF I-Corps National Program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams (only deep-tech, university-based teams who complete at least 20 customer discovery interviews)
- Increase chances of receiving commercialization grants such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
- Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps for creating impact from your idea
- Gain an exceptional professional development experience appropriate for any career path—academic, industry, startup or other
- Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors.
- Learn, practice and hone your innovation skills
- Participant Support Funding – depending on your university affiliation, Entrepreneurial Leads may be eligible for $1,000 to be used towards your customer discovery efforts
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
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. Hanlon has a bachelors in electrical engineering from UW, a masters in electrical engineering from ASU, and an MBA from the University of Colorado. He resides in Wyoming.
Sarah Truglio is currently serving as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs at the University of Montana. Sarah is dedicated to creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. She spearheads programs that encourage students, staff, faculty, and the greater community to think critically, take risks, and turn their ideas into reality, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in the competitive landscape.
Magali Eaton is currently working with the Montana State University research community and Montana-affiliated companies to translate research into impact, with a focus on helping launch and scale startup companies. To do so, she leverages her backgrounds as an intellectual property lawyer, and educator, and an entrepreneur. She joined MSU as the Technology Translation Lead in 2024, after building the innovation training department at the University of Washington CoMotion and leading the launch of several research translation initiatives at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Magali has been an I-Corps instructor at the regional and national levels for 8 years.