What to Expect from the Program
The outcome for each team is threefold.
- A clear go/no go decision concerning the viability and effectiveness of the learning-oriented resources/products, practices, and services.
- Validation of a verified potential customer segment for your product.
- A transition plan to move the effort forward and bring the innovation to scale.
Completion of the I-Corps grant is expected to contribute one or more of the following areas:
- New Start-up businesses
- Licensing
- SBIR Proposals
- NSF Team Grant proposals
- A suitable business plan
- Students prepared to be entrepreneurially competitive
Project Eligibility
All Technologies must have Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of level 2 or higher (A detailed explaination of TRL Levels can be downloaded at the link below). All University of Utah, faculty, house staff, and graduate students may apply. Technology must be life sciences and preference will be given to healthcare applications. Those awarded applications must agree to:
- Each team must participate in bi-monthly I-Corps team events (two-hour evening events)
- Complete and end-of-grant-summary report. An outline will be provided.
- Present a 10-minute report demonstrating your path over the course of the program and your final decision of go or no-go. An outline will be provided.
>> Download Technology Readiness Level <<
Grant Funding
Faculty and students working on STEM-related technology can participate in the I-Corps program and receive up to $3,000 to participate in the customer discovery process of their innovation. The University of Utah I-Corps Site offers one cohort per year beginning each fall. The program consists of several workshops over the fall and spring semester, where teams work to validate the market size, value propositions, and customer segments of their innovations.
Details about the rules and procedures for expending grant funds can be found on the program’s Canvas page. Contact the program manager if you do not have access.
After Finishing the Program
Upon successful completion of the program, teams are eligible to apply to the National I-Corps program where they receive $50,000 and participate in a rigorous 7-week program or may apply for an SBIR grant.