Applications open on April 29.

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.