Skip to main content

NSF I-Corps

Desert and Pacific Region Hub

Entrepreneurial Training to Bring Technology to the Market

Entrepreneurial Training

The National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) program provides 4-weeks of entrepreneurial training for teams of researchers, students, and mentors to explore the commercial potential of their research and innovation.

Focused on research-based deep technology venture products and services, the Desert and Pacific Region Hub spans five states.

Select the start date that interests you for detailed information and an application link specific to that cohort. Cohort dates are as follows:

Hub Partners

Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, University of Hawaii, Boise State University, University of Idaho, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas

National Science Foundation I-Corps Desert and Pacific Region logo.
Learn More

What to Expect

Two researchers in a lab studying liquid in a bottle and 3D printer.

Get Entrepreneurial Training and Support

  • Qualify for a $3,000 stipend
  • 4-week, high-impact virtual program
  • Opportunity to qualify for the National I-Corps Teams program, and increase competitiveness for a $50,000 grant
  • Open to all entrepreneurs: Faculty, Staff, Students & Community

Explore Your Idea’s Commercial Potential

  • Improve commercial success through assumption testing and customer discovery
  • Validate your business model and establish product-market fit
  • Expand your network and develop industry connections

Upcoming Cohorts

Each cohort is composed of:

  • 1- hour Info Session
  • 4-Weeks of 3-hour Virtual Workshops

Time Commitment and Class Time

  • 32 hours total; 8 hours per week
  • Class time, 15-20 customer interviews, weekly homework, office hours with I-Corps instructional team

Alumni Testimonials

Ryan_Manwaring_Headshot_2023

Ryan Manwaring

NSF 2023

Manwaring elaborates on his journey through the program and having, “ unwavering support from the I-Corps faculty and Cara Van Sant, Director of the Venture College.”

Manwaring’s biggest takeaway can be summed up in his own words: “The importance of doing many interviews so that you can really start identifying patterns, market opportunities, and the importance of pivoting.”

Learn more about Manwaring’s NSF journey.

In the News

Questions? Please Contact

BSU Partner Team

  • Nancy Glenn

    Nancy Glenn

    Vice President, Research and Economic Development

    I-Corps Principal Investigator for Research and Economic Development
  • Shawn Benner

    Shawn Benner

    Dean, College of Innovation + Design

    I-Corps Faculty Lead for College of Innovation and Design
  • Kent Neupert

    Kent Neupert

    Chair, Department of Management, College of Business and Economics

    I-Corps Research Lead for Department of Management
  • Cara Van Sant

    Cara Van Sant

    Director, Venture College

    I-Corps Evaluation Lead for the Venture College
  • Rick Ritter

    Rick Ritter

    Lab Director, New Ventures Lab & Adjunct Faculty, Department of Management

    I-Corps Instructional Lead for Department of Management