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 online and hosted by Lehigh University, and is open to qualified applicants from throughout the region. University affiliation is not required.

Through the program, we provide training and grants to support team-based customer research aimed at investigating the viability and societal impact of scientific and technological discoveries.

To apply to attend the Propelus program, researchers must form a team of at least two people involved with the scientific or technological discovery. The team must include:

• An entrepreneurial lead (often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student or undergraduate)
• A technical lead (usually a faculty member)

The Lehigh I-Corps Program Coordinator will provide assistance to complete teams as necessary. You must have at least 2 teams members identified to apply. All team members must be able to participate for the project duration. 

Benefits

Training: Four sessions introducing the Lean LaunchPad methodology, which focuses on customer discovery research to evaluate the potential of your idea to solve problems and provide value.

Funding: Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. 

Resources: Selected teams will receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and innovators. Teams may also utilize many other programs offered by the Hub-affiliated institutions.

Follow-on opportunities: Upon completion, teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant.