Upcoming events
Sullivan Family Ideator Cohort
The Vanderbilt I-Corps regional program is a free, 6-session virtual program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs transform their ideas into potential ventures through an evidence-based approach to evaluation. Combining pre-recorded content, assignments, live discussions, and instructor office hours, the program emphasizes customer discovery, Lean Launch methodology, and market evaluation to answer key questions of desirability, audience, and feasibility. Participants gain guidance from experienced entrepreneur-instructors while engaging directly with customers to test hypotheses, gather insights, and determine whether their idea is ready for launch or needs further refinement.
Applications for this cohort are currently closed.
University of Louisville: Defense LaunchIt
Applications for this cohort have now closed.
Dates: July 2 - August 13 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM EST
Join us this summer for a new defense focused LaunchIt in collaboration with OnRamp Hub: Kentucky to accelerate introduction of dual-use technologies into the DOW and national security space. In just seven 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.
University of Memphis NSF I-Corps Summer 2026
Applications for this cohort are currently closed.
Dates: July 8 - August 12
The Division of Research & Innovation serves researchers and students in every department on campus in their mission to grow the impact of research. Regardless of discipline, we believe that every faculty member and student is capable of finding funding and achieving national visibility for their work. Our office includes Research Development, Sponsored Programs, Research Compliance, Office of Technology Transfer, the FedEx Institute of Technology, and Animal Care Services.
University of Virginia - Summer 2026 Discovery
Applications are currently closed.
Dates: July 8 - August 5
This virtual cohort will encompass a broad overview of core I-CORPS concepts.
Tennessee State University - Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Fall 2026
Dates: August 14 - September 4
Click here to apply by August 11.
The Fall 2026 Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (IEB) is a five-week I-Corps-inspired program designed for Tennessee State University faculty, staff, and students. Participants will explore the commercial potential of their ideas through customer discovery, value proposition development, market validation, and business model strategy while receiving guidance from experienced mentors.
Mason I-Corps NextGen Digital Technology Cohort
Click here to apply for this immersive cohort by August 10.
Mason I-Corps NextGen Digital Technology Cohort (Quantum, AI, Cybersecurity, Space, Communications, etc) offers this Immersive NSF Regional Cohort concurrently with the Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026 to assist university and community (start ups with real/deep technology) innovators that want to take their ideas and solutions to market.
This program teaches an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation. Is the idea desirable? Who is the ideal audience? Where do you even start? This cohort is here to help answer those questions. Centered around customer discovery and Lean Launch methodology, you will determine if your idea solves a need and for whom.
The program provides a hands-on learning experience on how to begin to successfully nurture a fledgling idea into a more viable and implementable potential solution that benefits society.
This program is not just about the content; it focuses on talking to customers and testing hypotheses about the value behind your idea and the potential venture you could launch in the future to provide your solution to the market.
Who Can Attend?
Faculty, researchers, postdocs, students, and staff from all universities, as well as community-based startups, with real technology aligned with quantum, AI, or next-generation technology.
Schedule:
Intro Call (Virtual) - Monday, Aug. 24, 6-8 PM ET
Session 1 (Virtual) - Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 2 (Virtual) - Thursday, Sept. 3, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 3 (Virtual) - Thursday, Sept.10, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 4A (In person, QWC) - Sept. 24, 9 AM-10:30 AM ET
Session 4B (In person, QWC) - Sept. 25, 9 AM-10:30 AM ET
Session 5 (Virtual) - Thursday, Oct. 1, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Quantum World Congress Location for Sept. 24 & 25:
The Hotel at the University of Maryland | 7777 Baltimore Ave College Park, MD 20740
Cost/Session:
The I-Corps training is at no cost for all participating teams. The Mid-South I-Corps Hub will cover Quantum World Congress registration fees and travel expenses, including a meal stipend, for one member from each team to attend Quantum World Congress 2026.
QWC REGISTRATION (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)
First, register for the I-Corps NextGen Digital Technology Cohort. Conference registration details for Quantum World Congress 2026 will be shared with teams upon acceptance into the cohort.
Instructor:
Michael Abbottis a seasoned investor and innovation strategist with 30+ years of experience turning ideas into revenue. He has worked with over 4,500 tech teams—from startups to Fortune 500s— driving growth through data-driven innovation. A serial entrepreneur, he’s been an equity partner in 17 +businesses and led the development of 250+ products. Mike is a nationally recognized I-Corps Program Instructor and expert in technology commercialization.
About Quantum World Congress:
Quantum World Congress is the premier global quantum conference – connecting the world’s quantum ecosystem, including the brightest researchers, innovators, technology developers, legislators, and industry experts – to accelerate the value of the growing quantum industry. Contact us to register for QWC 2026 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, College Park, from September 23rd through 25th.
Learn more at quantumworldcongress.com.
Vanderbilt University - Innovator Program
Click here to apply for this cohort by August. 12.
The INNOVATOR Program is an immersive launchpad for turning bold ideas into fundable ventures. As the flagship ideation program of the Vanderbilt Innovation Corps, INNOVATOR brings aspiring entrepreneurs together for five dynamic virtual sessions designed to sharpen thinking, stress-test assumptions, and accelerate the path from concept to customer.
Participants work hand-in-hand with seasoned instructors and industry mentors through dedicated office hours, gaining personalized feedback every step of the way. Along the journey, each participant has the opportunity to pitch their idea for microgrant funding — real capital to turn vision into traction.
The program culminates in Pitch Day, where participants present to a distinguished panel of business leaders, investors, and accomplished entrepreneurs. Standout teams earn microgrants to fuel their next chapter. This is where your next big thing begins.
Vanderbilt University - Builder Program
Click here to apply by July 29.
Build on your progress. The virtual 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 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.
University of Kentucky: UAccel I-Corps Fall Cohort 2026
Dates: September 11 - November 6
UAccel, a regional I-Corps program, offers professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators who are interested in learning the best commercialization path for their solutions.
Applications will open on July 31.
Innovation Open Mic
Applications are now open for the first Fall semester Innovation Open Mic, which will take place on September 24 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. CST.
Applications will open at a later date.
⭐ Pitching Teams: You will gain a unique combination of funding, visibility, and connections designed to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.
⭐ Audience Members: You will gain front-row access to emerging startups and technologies and the opportunity to shape ventures early, through actionable feedback. Register to attend.
*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.
Jackson State University NSF I-Corps 101 Summer 2026 Cohort
Applications for this cohort are now closed.
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, etc.
Virtual I-Corps 101 course times are:
June 23, 2026. 5pm -8pm CT
June 30, 2026. 5pm -8pm CT
July 7, 2026. 5pm -8pm CT
July 14, 2026. 5pm -8pm CT
Jackson State University is offering FREE High Quality Innovation and Entrepreneurship training for students, faculty, staff, and alumni from any academic institution.
Mid-South Hub National I-Corps Informational Webinar
June 18 | 1:00 PM CT
We will be discussing what the National I-Corps Program is, what the benefits are, what the eligibility criteria is, and an overview of the application process.
Building the Future of Early-Stage Capital
Building the Future of Early-Stage Capital
Vanderbilt University and Scroobious are hosting a first-of-its-kind convening bringing together founders, innovators, angel investors, and ecosystem builders from across the Mid-South to tackle a shared regional challenge: "How do we better connect ventures and investors?" Attendees can expect a fireside chat on early-stage fundraising, angel education and network-building, and real conversations between founders and investors.
📍 Alumni Hall, Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN
📅 June 11, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
🕗 Light refreshments and full programming included
Space is limited. Register today at http://midsouthhub.org/vanderbilt-scroobious.
This event is brought to you by Vanderbilt University, Scroobious, the Vanderbilt Innovation Corps, the NSF I-Corps Mid-South Hub, the Wond'ry, the Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center
UA I-Corps Summer 2026
Applications for this cohort are currently closed.
Dates: June 11 - July 16
The NSF I-Corps Regional Program at the University of Arkansas is a short experiential course designed to help innovators explore the market potential of their ideas. Open to faculty, students, staff, and community members across Arkansas and the Mid-South Hub, the program welcomes a broad range of technologies and concepts at any stage.
Using the lean startup methodology developed by the National Science Foundation, teams conduct 20+ customer discovery interviews to better understand real problems, refine their value proposition, and assess potential pathways forward. Participants will work through core components of the business model while gaining practical skills in evaluating market fit.
This program serves as a strong foundation for next steps, including National I-Corps, translational funding opportunities, or early-stage venture development.
TSU Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Summer 2026 Cohort
Applications for this cohort are now closed.
Dates: May 15 - June 12
A premier regional program designed to help research-driven teams accelerate their innovations toward commercialization.
This highly selective experience is intended for Faculty researchers and students with translational ideas or Capstone projects that demonstrate strong potential to evolve into scalable ventures capable of generating meaningful economic impact.
Mid-South I-Corps GAME Change Accelerator
Applications for this cohort are currently closed.
Dates: May 5 - June 6
The GAME Change I-Corps Cohort supports early-stage technologies addressing critical challenges in domestic manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and materials independence. The program prioritizes innovations that enable a circular economy through recovery, reuse, remanufacturing, reverse logistics, and related systems. Selected teams will engage in a structured customer discovery process while connecting with industry partners to validate real-world demand and refine their value proposition.
TSU Innovator Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Dates: Mar. 27 - Apr. 17
Applications are currently closed for this cohort.
This is a 5 week Cohort focused on all STEM disciplines.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The regional NSF I-Corps regional program at UTK empowers innovators to evaluate and develop their ideas through an evidence-based approach and expert mentorship, reducing the time it takes for early-stage technology de-risking and market mapping. UTK is a part of the Mid-South Hub, led by Vanderbilt University, one of several regional hubs serving as an operational backbone for the National Innovation Network.
If you have further questions, you can contact Nanda Coimbra at mcoimbra@utk.edu.
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. Applications for this cohort are currently closed.
March 12-18 | Austin, TX
Important Note:
- Undergraduate Students need to be available to participate fully from March 12-15th.
- All Non-undergraduate Participants need to be available to participate fully from March 12-18th.
Mid-South Hub National I-Corps Informational Webinar
We will be discussing what the National I-Corps Program is, what the benefits are, what the eligibility criteria is, and an overview of the application process.
George Mason University
Dates: Feb. 23 - Mar. 27
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 five-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 Virtual I-Corps Spring 2026 101
Applications are now closed.
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, etc.
For best consideration, please apply by Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Virtual I-Corps 101 course times are:
February 18, 2026 5pm -8pm CT
February 25, 2026 5pm -8pm CT
March 4, 2026 5pm -8pm CT
March 11, 2026 5pm -8pm CT
Jackson State University is offering FREE High Quality Innovation and Entrepreneurship training for students, faculty, staff, and alumni from any academic institution.
Mid-South Hub National I-Corps Informational Webinar
We will be discussing what the National I-Corps Program is, what the benefits are, what the eligibility criteria is, and an overview of the application process.
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.
Vanderbilt - Builder Program Cohort
Builder provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring 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. Click here to apply by December 12.
Mid-South Hub National I-Corps Informational Webinar
We will be discussing what the National I-Corps Program is, what the benefits are, what the eligibility criteria is, and an overview of the application process.
Click here to register.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.