The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports fundamental research and education in science and engineering. Ground-breaking discoveries from science and engineering research that result in technological innovations lead to increased economic prosperity and societal well-being. A strong capacity for translating fundamental scientific discoveries into powerful engines of innovation is essential for maintaining our nation's competitive edge in the future.
The NSF Innovation Corps, or I-Corps, is a program that prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge research into commercial success.
Whether you are just curious about the innovation process or certain you want to create a startup, I-Corps provides research faculty, staff, students, and prospective technology entrepreneurs with the ideal entry point.
Understand why your technology has value, and to whom, while gaining an appreciation for what it takes to commercialize technology and the barriers to adoption. Develop a network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, and mentors.
I-Corps program participants learn how to identify valuable product opportunities that can emerge from academic research—this can accelerate research projects from the lab to impact.