Upcoming events
Vanderbilt - Sullivan Family Ideator Cohort
Click here to apply for this cohort by August 1.
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.
Vanderbilt - Builder Program
Click here to apply by August 1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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