Wildfire Labs, South Dakota Mines and Dakota State University will co-host a five-week regional I-Corps cohort focused on SaaS-themed ventures. I-Corps is designed to equip participants with skills for designing products and services that benefit customers. Participants will 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.
Program Dates:
• Monday, Sept 15 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
• Wednesday, Sept 17 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
• Wednesday, Sept 24 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
• Wednesday, Oct 1 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
• Wednesday, Oct 8 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
• Wednesday, Oct 15 – 8:00am MST/9:00am CST.
Applications deadline: September 9
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
After graduating with a business degree from the University of South Dakota, Michael Roach spent nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, where he managed people, products, projects, and budgets. During this period, he earned his MBA from the University of Sioux Falls and initiated his PhD studies in Management at Capella University. Roach transitioned to academia, commencing his teaching career as a full-time faculty member at Dakota State University in 2003, specializing in economics and management. In 2017, he assumed a role at DSU’s Madison campus and pioneered the entrepreneurial studies program, concurrently serving as the faculty advisor for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization student club. Furthermore, Roach actively engages in mentoring startups, having contributed his expertise to Startup Sioux Falls, the Paulson Cyber Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center, and presently the Great Plains I-Corps Hub.
Sam Alario
Samantha Alario is a heart-led entrepreneur, educator, and mother of two. She is the founder of Gemini Mountain Swimwear, a sustainable swimwear brand based in Missoula, Montana, known for its commitment to eco-friendly, locally made products.
In addition to running her business, Samantha serves as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Manager at the University of Montana, where she works to support aspiring entrepreneurs and foster innovation through hands-on programs and mentorship.
Samantha specializes in creating real value, community-building through customer discovery, and leveraging the entrepreneurial mindset to drive success. She thrives on helping others navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and enjoys guiding both startups and established businesses toward sustainable growth.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors with her children, collaborating with local artists, and mentoring fellow entrepreneurs on their business and personal development journeys.
Stephanie Kidd
Stephanie serves as the Communications Strategist for the UNeTech Institute, Omaha, Nebraska’s only university-supported entrepreneurial support organization. UNeTech, housed under the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Omaha, helps the inventions from faculty and staff from the University of Nebraska ecosystem transition from idea to successful commercialized business.