Have an invention, innovation or idea that can make an impact outside of academia? The National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program provides entrepreneurial training to teams of researchers, students and mentors to explore the commercial potential of their research or innovation.
Teams learn and utilize the I-Corps Lean Launchpad approach to connect with potential customers, look into commercialization and explore their market, competitors and industry.
The Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub is a collaboration between seven institutions in Arizona, Nevada, Hawai’i, California and Idaho.
Lead Faculty/Staff from Boise State in this hub are:
- Rick Ritter – College of Business and Economics
- Kent Neupert – College of Business and Economics
- Cara Van Sant – Venture College, College of Innovation + Design
- Brett Adkins – Office of Technology Transfer
Benefits of Participating
Students, faculty and staff interested in launching their innovation are encouraged to participate. Teams will have access to a business mentor, if interested, and will receive $3,000 to explore the business landscape surrounding their idea.
The I-Corps program will help participants build their entrepreneurial skills, write stronger grants and SBIR/STTR proposals and discover the market opportunity of their innovation. Participants will also be eligible to apply for a $50,000 I-Corps team grant.
When and Where
Four-week virtual cohorts will begin with an orientation session on Jan. 27, 2023, and additional cohorts will run throughout the year. Stipends are available.
An information session will be held from 12-1. p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11 on Zoom. This session features Tech Launch Arizona and the rest of the Desert and Pacific Region I-Corps Hub and is for anyone interested in participating in the upcoming I-Corps cohort.
Important Dates
- Required Orientation: Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 12-1 p.m. MST
- Four-Week Training Dates: Every Friday, Feb. 3-24, 2023 from 12-3 p.m. MST
For more information, contact Brett Adkins at techtransfer@boisestate.edu.
