NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast Region

Researcher outdoors working programming a wheeled robot platform

Transform your discovery

I-Corps helps researchers explore how to transition discoveries into benefits for society.

Explore

In the I-Corps program, scientists and engineers take the first step in assessing if their research has the feasibility to become a product or service of benefit to society.

Explore I-Corps

Engage

We host free events and programs for innovators at all stages, whether you're far along in your innovation journey or are seeking support to get started.

Engage in a program

Accelerate

Learn about the national I-Corps Teams program and more opportunities throughout the region that can support you on your journey.

Follow-on opportunities

Researchers standing and working with equipment

Rutgers University student Sherifat Alaka illuminates fingerprint samples with a special light, while observed by Kimberlee Sue Moran, associate teaching professor and director of forensics. Rutgers is one of two partner institutions in the new Innovation-Corps (I-Corps) Northeast Hub hub funded by the National Science Foundation to foster startups based on university research. Photo credit: ©2020 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Events and Upcoming Regional Programs

Propelus I-Corps hosted by the University of Delaware
Jan 26

Apply by Jan. 26

Session dates: 

  • February 10th, 12:30-3:30pm
  • February 12th, 12:30-3:30pm
  • February 24th, 12:30-3:30pm
  • March 10th, 12:30-3:30pm

Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture.

Novus I-Corps at Rutgers-New Brunswick
Jan 30, 11:30 am3:30 pm

Register by Jan. 24

A Networking Lunch during Registration will be provided, so please RSVP by Friday, January 24, 2025.

Learn about the impact your research or innovation could have in solving real-world problems by attending our Novus I-Corps Program at Rutgers University, an introduction to I-Corps, co-sponsored by the Northeast I-Corps Hub, Rutgers Office for Research., and the Hatchery Innovation Studio.

Propelus I-Corps hosted by Rutgers University
Jan 31

Apply by Jan 31

Session dates: 

  • March 3, 2:00 -5:00 pm (In-person Kickoff)
  • March 7, 2:00 -5:00 pm (Zoom)
  • March 14, 2:00 -5:00 pm (Zoom)
  • March 28, 2:00 -5:00 pm (In-person Finale)

Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture.

Propelus I-Corps hosted by NJIT
Feb 3

Apply by Feb 3

Session dates: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm ET

  • February 19 (in person)
  • February 26 (virtual)
  • March 5 (virtual)
  • March 19 (in person)

Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. This program will take place in person and online hosted by New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

Sharing successes

Oceeto granted utility patent and awarded $50,000 grant

Oceeto, a company dedicated to creating innovative solutions for today’s parents and caregivers, has continued their success since participating in the regional I-Corps Propelus program in 2023. In October, they granted a utility patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, for their product, the Care’digan – a fashionable and practical garment that helps caregivers take care of children. In November, Oceeto was awarded a $50,000 grant as one of only ten recipients in the Delaware Division of Small Businesses' Fall 2024 “EDGE” Competition. With the utility patent and the grant award, Oceeto will finalize production for the Care’digan and launch its go-to-market strategy. 

Princeton I-Corps team launches new company

Fermeate, a team that participated in the Propelus program at Princeton in the spring of 2024, has launched. The team developed photomolecular fermentation technology that has the potential to change the economics of microbial fermentation.  This process of using light to control cellular functions is helping to create a more efficient and effective biomanufacturing process.

MudderAI's research highlighted in various publications

MudderAI, a team that is working to use AI to help with disaster preparedness and response, participated in the Propelus program at Yale University in the spring of 2024. Since participating, the team has successfully completed the Tampa Bay Innovation Center accelerator program, where they connected with investors and strategic partners. They are continuing to enhance their research and capabilities to deliver impactful, real-time data solutions for disaster management with the Yale Center for Business and Environment (CBEY). Their innovative work has been spotlighted in the Tampa Bay Times, St. Pete Catalyst and Yale Planetary Solutions Initiative. 

Did you attend the I-Corp Northeast Hub Novus or Propelus?

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The I-Corps Northeast Hub

The NSF I-Corps Hub: Northeast Region is made up of 11 universities, with new partner institutions added annually. Note: Participants in Hub programs do NOT need to be affiliated with a Hub member university.  

University of Delaware
Rutgers logo (red letter R)
Princeton University
Temple University
Drexel logo
Delaware State University
NJIT
Rowan University
Lehigh University
Yale University logo
University of Connecticut logo