Upcoming events
University of Arkansas - Fall 2025 Cohort
Registration for this cohort is now closed. Click to learn more about the programs.
The I-Corps Program at the University of Arkansas is an entrepreneurial training experience designed to transform groundbreaking research into impact. By moving ideas beyond the laboratory and into the marketplace, I-Corps accelerates the societal benefits of innovation, equipping faculty, staff, and students with the tools to create meaningful change. This experiential program builds an entrepreneurial workforce, translates cutting-edge research into market-driven solutions, maximizes the impact of academic research and discoveries, and strengthens the state’s innovation ecosystem.
At the University of Arkansas, we encourage innovators to explore how commercialization can open new avenues of discovery while creating tangible benefits for our state and beyond. There are two primary ways to get involved with I-Corps at the University of Arkansas:
1. Join existing entrepreneurship training programs. Programs such as New Venture Development already meet NSF’s regional I-Corps course objectives and are led by nationally trained instructors. Additional programs will be added soon as regional I-Corps offerings expand.
2. Participate in a regional I-Corps team cohort. Teams consist of a technical lead, an entrepreneurial lead, and an industry mentor. These cohorts, which will launch soon at the University of Arkansas, provide hands-on opportunities to validate research ideas, engage with industry, and prepare for commercialization.
The I-Corps Program is more than training, it is a launchpad for discovery, innovation, and impact.
UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps Fall
UAccel offers professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators who are interested in learning the best commercialization path for their solutions.
The goal of the program is to advance an innovation toward commercialization, including preparations for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants or National I-Corps applications, creation of a startup, or partnering with an established company to license the technology.
UAccel has two phases. Quick Start is the first phase, and the second phase is I-Corps.
Dates: Sept. 5 - Nov. 14
Tennessee State University - Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
The Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is designed to equip innovators—particularly in agriculture, engineering, and life sciences with the skills and knowledge to transform their research into competitive, market-ready ventures. Participants will learn how to commercialize their innovations to stimulate the economy, create community jobs, and deliver meaningful impact.
This free, 5-session virtual program runs from September 19th through October 17th and combines pre-recorded content, assignments, live discussion sessions, and instructor office hours. It is ideal for researchers and entrepreneurs ready to turn their breakthrough ideas into successful businesses and strengthen the real-world impact of their work. Applications for this cohort have now closed.
Memphis - I-Corps Fall 2025
The Division of Research & Innovation at the University of Memphis serves researchers in every department on campus in their mission to grow the impact of research. Regardless of discipline, we believe that every faculty member is capable of finding funding and achieving national visibility for their work. This cohort is open to university faculty and graduate students, as well as community teams.
Dates: Oct. 1 - Oct. 29
Fall applications are opening soon. Click here to apply.
University of Lousiville - LaunchIt 2025 Fall Cohort
Applications for this cohort are now closed.
Full Course (8 weeks): LaunchIt is an innovation bootcamp focused on product development and validation ahead of market launch. In Just eight weeks, we help innovators and entrepreneurs test their ideas or products in the real world and see if they have what it takes to stick. Our coaches and speakers are all seasoned founders and innovators, ready to help you understand and navigate the complexities of developing the next big thing.
Tennessee State University - Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Afrotech Immersive Exprience
The Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a free, 5-session hybrid program running from September 26th to November 1st. Designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, the program blends pre-recorded lessons, assignments, live discussions, and instructor office hours to help participants transform bold ideas into thriving businesses. This year, the experience integrates the AfroTech Conference, offering participants the opportunity to put their business models into practice, refine their commercialization strategies, and strengthen essential soft skills for long-term success.
Click here to apply.
George Mason University - NSF I-Corps Regional Program - Fall
Click here to apply for this cohort.
The George Mason University's NSF I-Corps Regional Program supports faculty, researchers, students, and innovators from the Commonwealth of Virginia to explore the commercial viability of their technology-based ideas/innovations. We offer a six-session course introducing participants to the lean startup method pioneered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accelerate technology commercialization for a real-world impact.
Jackson State University Fall 2025 NSF I-Corps Cohort
The I-Corps program is targeted toward research with commercializing potential and is an evidence-based approach to bring ideas from lab to market (i.e. projects funded by a national lab or research organization). Although we call it tech transfer, it does not have to be an idea based in STEM. We are open to non-profits, social impact, education, and ...etc.
Please use the form below to apply to a JSUMS I-Corps Short Course Regional Program.
For best consideration, please apply by Monday, September 29, 2025. Virtual I-Corps 101 course times are:
October 13, 2025 5pm -8pm CT
October 20, 2025 5pm -8pm CT
October 27, 2025 5pm -8pm CT
November 3, 2025 5pm -8pm CT
I-Corps 101 programming welcomes all applicants, from all backgrounds. Click here to apply by Sept. 29.
UTK Fall Cohort 2025
The workshop is a hands-on introduction to the process of Customer Discovery designed to give the entrepreneur insight into how future customers will respond to products that are developed by the new venture.
The Fall 2025 I-Corps Regional workshop is moving to a virtual setting! The program will be conducted over a five-week period which includes 4 instructor-led workshops and provides the opportunity for participants to complete 20 customer interviews.
Vanderbilt - Sullivan Family Ideator Cohort
The Sullivan Family Ideator program is composed of 5 virtual, interactive sessions with required instructor and mentor office hours. Each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their idea for potential microgrant funding.
At the end of the full program, Pitch Day will be held and participants will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a group of high-caliber judges composed of business leaders, investors, and accomplished entrepreneurs. Microgrants will be provided for a number of teams that excel in the Ideator Program.
Meharry Medical College: Spark
Investment in Meharry’s research enterprise pays a return on mission: to improve the well-being of humankind.
SPARK research and innovation, PROMOTE a living-learning collaborative environment, ENHANCE the student experience
Click here to apply.
UVA I-Corps Fall 2025 (Virtual)
The University of Virginia regional program is intended to dive into the business model canvas, customer segments, value propositions and business thesis; Teams will be guided as they complete 20+ interviews; These sessions best prepare teams interested in the National I-Corps program.
NOTE: Teams are encouraged to participate in more than one cohort, as customer discovery or work on additional value propositions uncovers new opportunities for their innovations.
Additional in-person networking and presentation options may be added to virtual programs.
Vanderbilt - Sullivan Family Ideator Spring Cohort
The Sullivan Family Ideator program is composed of 5 virtual, interactive sessions with required instructor and mentor office hours. Each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their idea for potential microgrant funding.
At the end of the full program, Pitch Day will be held and participants will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a group of high-caliber judges composed of business leaders, investors, and accomplished entrepreneurs. Microgrants will be provided for a number of teams that excel in the Ideator Program.
George Mason University Next-Gen Digital Technology Cohort
Click here to apply for this program.
The George Mason University's NSF I-Corps Regional Program supports faculty, researchers, students, and innovators from the Commonwealth of Virginia to explore the commercial viability of their technology-based ideas/innovations. We offer a six-session course introducing participants to the lean startup method pioneered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accelerate technology commercialization for a real-world impact.
Vanderbilt - Builder Program
The Builder program provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring university-affiliated entrepreneurs (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) with a viable early-stage idea to launch a new venture.
Builder is the perfect next step for graduates of a Regional NSF I-Corps Program, such as the Sullivan Family Ideator Program, or entrepreneurs with a validated product, technology, or service that have already engaged in customer discovery efforts, found a problem-solution fit and would like to learn how to launch a new non-profit or for-profit venture or pursue a licensing deal.
Eligibility for the program includes that:
1. the team has completed a Regional NSF I-Corps Program (ie the Sullivan Family Ideator Program),
2. has performed at minimum 30 customer discovery interviews
3. has a defined value proposition and
4. has identified initial customer segments.
National I-Corps Info Webinar (Copy)
Join Mid-South Hub Director, Charleson Bell, to learn more about NSF's National Innovation-Corps Program, an immersive entrepreneurial training program and $50,000 grant for research commercialization!
Wednesday, June 17th at 2pm CT
Innovation Open Mic
The NSF Mid-South I-Corps Hub hosts a monthly Innovation Open Mic event, inviting aspiring innovators from across the mid-south to present their ideas and projects to a panel of entrepreneurial experts and mentors. Whether it’s a business, non-profit, technology, or invention, all ideas are welcome. Presenters receive valuable feedback from the mentor panel to refine and enhance their projects.
Currently held virtually via Zoom, Innovation Open Mic is open to all students, faculty, and staff from schools and universities throughout the mid-south region of the United States.
SXSW Immersive Cohort
Are you ready to take your ideas to the next level? All university-affiliated innovators are invited to apply now for the chance to join our immersive cohort at South by Southwest—the global hub for dreamers, innovators, and changemakers. Spend a week refining your innovation, conducting customer discovery, and connecting with industry leaders, mentors, and peers—all against the backdrop of the world’s premier festival for creativity and technology.
March 8th - March 14th | Austin, TX
Application deadline: Jan. 24th, 2025
All expenses paid. Your journey to innovation starts here.
Innovation Open Mic
The NSF Mid-South I-Corps Hub hosts a monthly Innovation Open Mic event, inviting aspiring innovators from across the mid-south to present their ideas and projects to a panel of entrepreneurial experts and mentors. Whether it’s a business, non-profit, technology, or invention, all ideas are welcome. Presenters receive valuable feedback from the mentor panel to refine and enhance their projects.
Currently held virtually via Zoom, Innovation Open Mic is open to all students, faculty, and staff from schools and universities throughout the mid-south region of the United States.
Launch Blue Industry Transformation Accelerator App Due
Launch Blue’s Industry Transformation Accelerator is designed to provide early-stage tech startups with in-depth insights on securing their first corporate clients.
Through the virtual 7-week program, startup founders will develop strategies for pilot projects, dilutive and nondilutive funding, and technology adoption—culminating in a pitch to Launch Blue’s corporate innovation partners. Click here to learn more.
Launch Blue Industry Transformation Accelerator Info Session
February 12
12pm ET (11am CT)
Virtual via Zoom
Through the 7-week program, startup founders will develop strategies for pilot projects, dilutive and nondilutive funding, and technology adoption
Innovation Open Mic
The NSF Mid-South I-Corps Hub hosts a monthly Innovation Open Mic event, inviting aspiring innovators from across the mid-south to present their ideas and projects to a panel of entrepreneurial experts and mentors. Whether it’s a business, non-profit, technology, or invention, all ideas are welcome. Presenters receive valuable feedback from the mentor panel to refine and enhance their projects.
Currently held virtually via Zoom, Innovation Open Mic is open to all students, faculty, and staff from schools and universities throughout the mid-south region of the United States.
CREST Biotechnician Bootcamp App Due
Duration: 4 weeks | March 3 - 28, 2025
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM
The CREST Biotechnician Bootcamp offers a transformative learning experience for individuals with little to no biology background, preparing them for entry-level roles in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors. Over 4 weeks, accepted fellows will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, meeting the competencies required for emerging biotech jobs. Participants will receive $20/hour throughout the program.
Click here to apply for the 2025 Cohort