October 7 @ 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm CST
The Regional I-Corps training spans five weeks, offering a blended approach to assess the market potential of your technology. This program welcomes both researchers and entrepreneurs, the curriculum explores the commercial potential of deep technology solutions across any industry sector. It prepares researchers to extend their focus beyond the lab and consider the economic and societal impact of their work.
Participants in an I-Corps team should allocate roughly 8-10 hours weekly throughout the duration of the five-week program. Each team should include, at the very least, an entrepreneurial lead (EL) and a technical lead (TL).
Session Dates
- Orientation & Session 1: Wednesday, October 7, 1pm-5:30pm (CT)
- Session 2: Tuesday, October 13, 1pm – 4pm (CT)
- Session 3: Wednesday, October 21, 1pm – 4pm (CT)
- Session 4: Wednesday, October 28, 1pm – 4pm (CT)
- Session 5: Wednesday, November 4, 1pm – 4pm (CT)
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Randy Faustino
Randy Faustino is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Dakota. He is dedicated to advancing scientific innovation and talent development at both the faculty and student levels.
Faustino founded an independent grant consultancy serving clients in academic, industrial, and government sectors, helping faculty secure funding from federal agencies and private foundations, with particular emphasis on supporting early-career and new investigators.
He also co-founded the STaR Program, a national, year-long STEM mentored research experience for high school students, whose participants have presented at leading regional, national, and international venues and published in peer-reviewed journals. Faustino continues to develop innovative approaches to STEM engagement and accessibility for K-12 students.
Greg Bertsch
Greg Bertsch is currently an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of South Dakota. Prior to teaching, Greg was Co-founder of biotech startups Halomine, Inc. and Antimicrobial Materials. Greg also has extensive industry experience, particularly in the automotive sector.
Alex Wewell
Alexandra Wewel is an Omaha-based entrepreneurship leader and community-builder who serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She leverages her MBA and background in venture and ecosystem support to design programs, events, and experiential learning opportunities that empower founders, students, and the region’s startup ecosystem.
Alex’s experience spans venture funding, ecosystem storytelling, and program facilitation. She gives back as a 1 Million Cups Omaha co-organizer and active community volunteer, focusing on building scalable processes, strengthening partnerships, and creating spaces where emerging entrepreneurs can experiment, grow, and thrive.