NSF I-Corps trains researchers to translate their technology and transform their groundbreaking research into market-ready innovations.

This helps participants identify the market opportunity and the value they need to bring to the target customer as they develop a viable product or service.

Participants gain industry-relevant and entrepreneurial skills that are highly applicable to advance innovations in academic or industry settings.

I-Corps training is essential preparation before seeking funding from programs such as institutional translational funds, federal SBIR/STTR grants, or private investment. Listening to stakeholders, building and sustaining relationships, understanding the problem-solution dynamic, and delivering solutions that meet unmet needs—these principles are central to research funding success as well.