UTSA I-Corps
In these unprecedented times, there has been a strong focus on innovations that are considered resilient. Do you have resilient technology, or are you conducting research that’s considered to be resilient? Would you like to understand what it takes to commercialize your research so that the greater good can benefit? We can help.
The University of Texas San Antonio’s Office of Commercialization and Innovation is deploying an innovative lean startup experience for entrepreneurial minded teams in San Antonio. Teams will engage in an Official NSF I-Corps Regional Program focused on examining their technological innovation for product-market fit. The objective of this course is to provide teams with an introduction to Lean Launchpad methodologies and quickly advance the commercialization opportunity.
Qualified university-based teams that engage in the entirety of the workshop may be eligible for a $3,000 award, and the possibility of even further funds and resources to help with further product development.
Slots are limited, register here today!
Course Logistics: (All Workshops held via ZOOM Video Conference) from 1pm to 4pm CT
| Title | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Workshop Day 1 – Virtual and In-person at UTSA, Customer Development & Discovery | May 24, 2023 | 9am–2pm |
| Office Hours – Support Discovery Strategy and Planning | May 30, 2023–June 2, 2023 | 9am–12pm |
| Workshop 2 – Lessons Learned Presentations & Discovery 2.0 | June 07, 2023 | 1pm–4pm |
| Office Hours – Refine Value Propositions & Customer Segments | June 5–9, 2023 | 30 minutes |
| Workshop 3 – Lessons Learned Presentations & Value Creation | June 14, 2023 | 1pm–4pm |
| Office Hours – Refine Value Propositions & Customer Segments | June 12–16, 2023 | 30 minutes |
| Closing Workshop 4 – Final Lessons Learned Presentations | June 21, 2023 | 9am–12pm |
If you’re thinking about the $50,000 NSF I-Corps customer discovery program, now is the time to enroll in the I-Corps Online Program to qualify a team. The Office of Commercialization and Innovation in conjunction with ratioflux, is offering this I-Corps Online Program. The program consists of a series of curated workshops based on the I-Corps framework and in support of the NSF’s national innovation network.
The program uses experiential education to help university faculty and students gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship, starting a business and industry requirements / challenges. The program objective is to enable the transformation of invention to impact. The curriculum integrates scientific inquiry and industrial discovery in a culture supported by rigor, relevance, and evidence. Participants will learn and practice fundamental principles and processes that are known to support the successful transition of innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace.
By learning how to assess commercialization opportunities, teams will gain a better understanding of their market, customers, competitors and industry.
Benefits:
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
- Improve odds for commercial success
- Validate your business model
- Establish product-market fit
- Achieve eligibility to apply for $50,000 NSF I-Corps team grant
Teams will be introduced to the I-Corps approach, and learn about business model development and the customer development process. Teams will also spend time outside the building, talking to customers, partners and competitors, and testing hypotheses. At the conclusion the customer development process and receive real-time feedback from the I-Corps teaching team.
Students, faculty, and staff interested in translating their innovation and research into commercial ventures are encouraged to apply.
Interested teams must meet the following criteria:
- At least two founding members per team
- Technical proficiency of research or innovation
- Right to practice intellectual property
For more information, contact Dr. Christine Burke by email at Christine.Burke@utsa.edu For additional opportunities, Southwest I-Corps™ hosts Regional Programs throughout the year. Learn more and apply for upcoming programs here: https://www.swicorps.org/events/