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

Info Session: Applying to National I-Corps Teams Program
Jan 22, 12:00 pm1:00 pm

Register

Are you an innovator, researcher, or entrepreneur looking to bring your technology or idea to market? The National I-Corps Team Program can provide you with the tools, resources, and guidance to transform your concept into a successful venture.

Novus I-Corps at NJIT
Jan 22, 2:30 pm5:30 pm

Register by Jan 15

Lunch will be served so please register no later than 01/15.

Learn about the impact your research or innovation could have in solving real-world problems by attending our Novus I-Corps Program at New Jersey Institute of Technology, a half-day introduction to I-Corps, co-sponsored by the Northeast I-Corps Hub!

Novus I-Corps at Princeton
Jan 23, 12:00 pm3:30 pm

Register by Jan 23

The Novus I-Corps at Princeton University provides an opportunity for individuals and teams with innovations to:

  • Shift the mindset from science and technology to the learning about the people it could benefit.
  • Understand how Customer Discovery drives innovation (and gets you out of the building!)
  • Meet local I-Corps Program Leaders and Tech Transfer Officers to guide your journey
  • Learn tips for success from an I-Corps alumni Panel sharing their experience.
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.

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?

Share your updates

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