Vanderbilt University

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George Mason University

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Jackson State University

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University of Virginia

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Tennessee State University

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University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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University of Kentucky

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Meharry Medical College

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University of Louisville

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Vanderbilt University - George Mason University - Jackson State University - University of Virginia - Tennessee State University - University of Tennessee, Knoxville - University of Kentucky - Meharry Medical College - University of Louisville -

Regional Cohorts

Fill out this form if you are interested in joining the Mid-South Hub’s Regional Teaching and Support Team.

Vanderbilt University

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.
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.
Sullivan Family Ideator Spring Cohort (Virtual):
Dates: January 12 - February 17
Sullivan Family Ideator Fall Cohort (Virtual):
Dates: October 27 - December 2
Click here to apply for Spring 2026 Cohort.

University of Virginia

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.
UVA I-Corps Fall 2025 (Virtual)
November 4 - December 9
Learn more and register HERE.

University of Kentucky

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.
UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps Fall (Virtual):
Dates: Sept. 5 - Nov. 14
Registration for this cohort is now closed.

George Mason University

The George Mason University I-Corps Program will work on exploratory business ventures started by faculty, staff, students, and recent alumni, to accelerate business exploration and creation.
The program will include an I-Corps Short Course designed to introduce participants to the key concepts and methodologies used in I-Corps, which is the rigorous market assessment and validation program pioneered by the NSF.
The program will provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training, and potentially funding (awards of up to $3,000 per team) to enable teams to transition their work towards the marketplace or into becoming National I-Corps Team applicants.
NSF I-Corps Regional Program - Fall (Virtual)
October 7 - November 6
Click here to apply for his cohort.

Tennessee State University

I-Corps training is provided through the Tennessee State University Office of Technology Transfer in the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (Virtual):
Dates: Sept. 19 - Oct. 24
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.
Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Afrotech Immersive Exprience:
Dates: Oct. 3 - Nov. 1
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.
Registration for this cohort is now closed.
If you would like additional information, you can email the following:
Robert Turner, Technology Transfer and Innovation Manager
Email: rturne10@tnstate.edu

Meharry Medical College

Program information is coming soon.
Spark Fall 2025:
Dates: Oct. 28 - Dec. 2
Click here to register!

University of Arkansas

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.
UA Fall 2025 Cohort
Dates: Aug. 18 - Dec. 1
Registration for this cohort is now closed.

Jackson State University

Objectives of the JSU I-Corps Program:
Offer entrepreneurial training and development opportunities for faculty and student teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to prepare them for participation in the NSF I-Corps or for further commercialization;
Build the capacity of faculty and students to explore the translation of academic research into tools, products, services, etc. that are favorable candidates for commercialization.
Click here to learn more about the program.
Regional Cohort Info:
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 called tech transfer, it does not have to be an idea based in STEM. This opportunity is also open to non-profits, social impact, education, and more.
I-Corps 101 programming welcomes all applicants, from all backgrounds.
Jackson State University Fall 2025 NSF I-Corps Cohort:
For best consideration, please apply by Monday, September 29, 2025.
Dates: Oct. 13 - Nov. 3
Click here to apply for the cohort by Sept. 29.
If you have questions about participation, please contact:
Mr. Latane Brackett, III, Innovation Program Manager
Tel: 601.979.2101
Email:latane.e.brackett_iii@jsums.edu

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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.
UTK Fall 2025 (Virtual):
10/15/2025 - 11/12/2025
Learn more & register HERE.

university of louisville

University of Louisville

LaunchIt is an innovation bootcamp through the University of Louisville’s Office of Research and Innovation. It is 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.
LaunchIt 2025 Fall Cohort (In-Person)
Dates: Oct. 2 - Nov. 20
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.
Registration for this cohort is now closed.

University of Memphis

The Division of Research & Innovation 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. Our office includes Research Development, Sponsored Programs, Research Compliance, Office of Technology Transfer, the FedEx Institute of Technology, and Animal Care Services.
I-Corps Fall 2025 (Virtual):
Open to university faculty and graduate students, as well as community teams
Dates: Oct. 1 - Oct. 29
Click here to register.