February 24 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CST
Enroll in this free innovation cohort 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.
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).
Schedule
- Orientation & Session 1: Tuesday, February 24, 9am – 12:45pm (CT)
- Session 2: Tuesday, March 03, 9am – Noon (CT)
- Session 3: Tuesday, March 17, 9am – Noon (CT)
- Session 4: Tuesday, March 31, 9am – Noon (CT)
- Session 5: Tuesday, April 7, 9am – Noon (CT)
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Heidi Bell
Heidi Bell, Ph.D., is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Human Performance Studies, and Manager of the Human Performance Laboratory at Wichita State University. Her research in clinical exercise physiology and orofacial myology has drawn international recognition and been showcased on NPR’s Science Friday with Ira Flatow. Over the past 30+ years she has developed a systematic and interdisciplinary network conducting collaborative research focused on exercise physiology, orofacial myology, neurocognition, biomechanics and functional performance. Dr. Bell has led and published FDA regulated product validation and test-retest reliability research, in addition to, physiological, neurocognitive and functional performance work. Her entrepreneurial background has further led to three start-up companies, development of several products, secured intellectual property, and established a platform to mentor students aspiring to be the next generation of researchers.
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.