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
If you are interested in joining a regional program, available cohorts are listed below. Most regional cohorts are held virtually.
Cohorts are currently open for University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Meharry Medical College, University of Memphis, George Mason University, University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt University
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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.
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Innovator Fall 2026 Cohort:
October 20 - December 1
The INNOVATOR Cohort is a free, 5-session virtual program based on pre-recorded content, assignments, live discussion sessions, and instructor office hours.
It is for all entrepreneurs who are ready to build a business out of their great ideas.
The program teaches an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation. Is the idea desirable? Who is the ideal audience? Where do you even start?This program is here to help answer those questions. Centered around customer discovery, Lean Launch methodology, and market evaluation, the program will help you determine if your idea is ready to go or maybe needs a bit more time at the drawing board.
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University of Virginia
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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.
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UVA Fall 2026 Discovery:
Dates: November 3 - December 8
This virtual cohort will encompass a broad overview of core I-CORPS concepts.
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Click here to apply by Oct. 19
Learn more HERE.
University of Kentucky
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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 I-Corps: AgTech Cohort Summer 2026
Dates: May 15-Jul. 24
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.
This special edition cohort of UAccel I-Corps is run in collaboration with the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp.UAccel I-Corps Fall Cohort 2026
Dates: Sept. 11 - Nov. 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.
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Applications for this cohort are now closed.
George Mason University
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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.
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Mason I-Corps Fall 2026 Cohort
Dates: October 13 - November 10
George Mason University's NSF I-Corps Regional Cohort supports faculty, researchers, students, and innovators from the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond to explore the commercial viability of their technology-based ideas/innovations. We offer a five-session course that introduces participants to the lean startup method pioneered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accelerate technology commercialization and achieve real-world impact.
Schedule:
Intro Call: October 13, 2026, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session 1: October 20, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Session 2: October 27, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Session 3: November 3, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Session 4: November 10, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Click here to apply by September 28.
Please contact Sampson Addo at saddo2@gmu.edu for further inquiries.
Tennessee State University
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I-Corps training is provided through the Tennessee State University Office of Technology Transfer in the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
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Fall 2026 Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp – Immersive Experience
Dates: November 2 - November 6
Get ready for an exciting experience in Houston, Texas! The Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Immersive Experience gives participants the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow through the NSF I-Corps entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Participants will gain practical insights, build meaningful connections, strengthen their ideas, and explore what it takes to move an innovation from concept to real-world impact. This experience is designed to inspire new thinking, encourage collaboration, and help participants leave with greater confidence, valuable connections, and clear next steps for their entrepreneurial journey. -
Applications are currently 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
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Program information is coming soon.
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Spark Fall 2026
Dates: September 16 – October 14
Join our 5-week NSF I-Corps cohort, held on Wednesdays virtually from 3:00–4:00 PM CT. Participants will learn customer discovery, validate the commercial potential of their innovation, and develop a pathway toward commercialization through hands-on training and mentorship. -
Click here to apply by September 11.
University of Arkansas
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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.
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UA I-Corps Summer 2026
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. -
Applications are currently closed.
Jackson State University
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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.
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Jackson State University NSF I-Corps 101 Summer 2026 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, etc.
For best consideration, please apply by Tuesday, June 2, 2026. 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. -
Applications are currently closed.
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
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The Regional I-Corps program at UT, provided by the Office of Entrepreneurship and New Venture, transforms inventions into real-world impact. Dedicated to de-risking early-stage ideas, the office works to advance the development and application of new technologies and solutions that make life and lives better.
Through a six-week, virtual, and interactive training program, I-Corps accelerates technology de-risking and market mapping via intensive customer discovery. Participants will engage in four training sessions, pitch practice, a final pitch day, and weekly office hours, while completing at least 20 customer interviews. Ultimately, the program is designed to advance innovations toward commercialization, preparing participants for SBIR grants, National I-Corps applications, startup creation, or industry licensing.
You can find more information at https://research.utk.edu/partnerships/icorps/. -
UTK I-Corps Fall 2026:
Sept. 23 - Oct. 28
Program Dates:
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 9 | 5:00 pm ET
Kickoff: Wednesday, September 23 | 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET
Weekly Sessions: September 30 to October 21 (each Wednesday) | 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET
Pitch Day: Wednesday, October 28 | 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET
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Click here to apply by September 9.
Learn more HERE.
If you have further questions, contact Nanda Coimbra at mcoimbra@utk.edu.
University of Louisville
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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.
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LaunchIt Fall 2026
Dates: September 30 - November 18
As part of the NSF funded Mid-South I-Corps Hub, LaunchIt helps entrepreneurs validate and develop products before 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.
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Applications are currently closed.
University of Memphis
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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.
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NSF I-Corps Fall 2026:
Dates: September 30 - October 28
The University of Memphis NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program helps researchers, students, staff, and regional innovators move promising ideas from discovery to real-world impact.
Through a five-week virtual training experience, participants learn how to test ideas, understand customer needs, explore market opportunities, and build a clear path toward turning research into a viable product, service, or venture. -
Click here to apply by September 14.
Overall Mid-South Hub
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Overall Regional Cohorts of the Mid-South Hub are a network of entrepreneurial training programs designed to help innovators transform research and ideas into real-world impact. Delivered across partner institutions throughout the Mid-South, these cohorts provide a structured, hands-on pathway for students, faculty, researchers, and community members to explore commercialization and validate the market potential of their innovations.
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Builder Program - Fall 2026 Cohort:
Dates: August 26 - October 7
Build on your progress. The virtual Builder Program at Vanderbilt 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.
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Applications are currently closed.