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 a hybrid format — in-person at the University of Connecticut campus and online — and is open to qualified applicants from throughout the Northeast 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)

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: Micro grants 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.