Do you have a tech-based innovation?
In the Propelus 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.
Participants join the program in small teams organized around the development and commercialization of a particular discovery.
Teams engage in customer discovery research aimed at investigating the commercial viability and societal impact of a novel discovery or process in science, technology or engineering.
The program provides stipends of up to $1,500 and training to support customer discovery and market investigation. The Propelus I-Corps program consists of educational sessions provided by instructors at our Hub institutions.
No innovation? No problem.
We host a variety of events and programs for innovators at all stages, whether you're far along in your innovation journey or are seeking support to get started. All I-Corps Northeast Hub programs are FREE and open to aspiring innovators from across the Northeast region. University affiliation is not required.
Info sessions
We host regular online and in-person info sessions to introduce researchers and tech entrepreneurs to I-Corps.
Attend an info session to learn how I-Corps can help you propel your science or technology toward a startup or venture for societal benefit.
Novus
Novus is a half-day program followed by self-paced coursework that introduces participants to I-Corps methodology for charting the path to startup or entrepreneurial venture.
Who is it for?
Researchers, scientists and engineers who have an idea, a technology, or curiosity are welcome to participate. Novus is open to individuals or teams of university researchers, regional tech entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in exploring the world of innovation.
You will learn to:
- Articulate your hypotheses about customer needs that your tech could address.
- Understand who the users, payors, and decision makers are in your customer ecosystem.
- Test your hypotheses via conversations with potential customers.
Attend to learn the basics of how to test your business idea and how to win a $1,500 stipend from the Northeast I-Corps Hub. Registration is free and open to individuals as well as teams.
I-Corps Fellowship Program
The I-Corps Fellowship Program creates pathways for students, especially those from underrepresented groups, to participate in innovation and entrepreneurship activities at the Northeast I-Corps Hub. This program is open to all eligible participants, regardless of identity.
As an I-Corps Fellow, you may be called upon to join an existing team and participate in an upcoming Propelus program.
You will have the opportunity to observe and contribute to the team's I-Corps activities, including:
- Preparing and conducting Customer Discovery interviews
- Documenting interviews
- Assisting with preparing and presenting the weekly worksheet assignments
- Participating in Office Hours with the Teaching Team
- Other activities suited to your interests, expertise and schedule.
*Note: As part of the Fellowship, you will not be expected to contribute to a team's laboratory research efforts.
To learn more and apply, please the website of our partner institution Rutgers University.
Innovating Together
The Innovating Together series is a public online event that features experts from regional entrepreneurship programs in conversation with I-Corps instructors and graduates to identify next steps opportunities for innovators in the Northeast region.
You will learn about available regional opportunities that when combined with I-Corps can connect you with the right training, network, funding, and mentorship to help bring your innovation closer to solving real-world problems, building proof-of-concept prototypes, and creating high tech-startups.
These online events are free and open to the public. Whether you're far along in your commercialization journey or just starting out and wanting to learn more about innovation, all are welcome!
Entrepreneurship Essentials
Entrepreneurship Essentials is a series of virtual workshops that highlight important topics surrounding early stage ventures.
Each webinar will feature an expert who volunteers to present a 30-minute talk followed by a 30-minute Q&A from the audience.
Entrepreneurship Essentials is open to current and past NSF I-Corps participants, as well as to deep tech entrepreneurs interested in joining future I-Corps regional programs.
Upcoming programs
The Accelerate UConn Novus workshop will provide teams with information on the NSF I-Corps methodology, give a sneak peek into what is taught in our Propelus program, and explain funding opportunities.
Lunch will be served so please RSVP no later than 09/13.
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!
Session dates: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
- October 7 (in person)
- October 9 (virtual)
- October 16 (virtual)
- October 30 (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).