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
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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.
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APPS OPEN:
Sullivan Family Ideator Summer Cohort (Virtual)
Dates: May 20-June 25
5/20 Orientation 4-5pm CST
5/21 Kick-Off 4-6pm CST
5/28 Session 2 4-6pm CST
6/4 Session 3 4-6pm CST
6/11 Session 4 4-6pm CST
6/25 Pitch Day 4-6pm CST
Deadline: May 9th
APPS CLOSED:
Builder Cohort
Dates: April 2 - May 28th
The virtual Builder Program at the Wond’ry 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 product-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 learn more.
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Apply Here for the Summer Sullivan Ideator Program by May 9.
University of Virginia
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In 2022, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced that the University of Virginia would be part of its new Mid-South Innovation Corps Hub, a consortium whose aim is to enhance innovation capacity, support promising research, generate economic value and to create opportunities.
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Applications are open:
This is a program to dive deeper 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.
Summer 2025 Cohort
July 8 - August 13
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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Learn more and register HERE.
University of Kentucky
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UAccel Quick Start, the university technology commercialization focused program of Launch Blue, offers professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators affiliated with a university who are interested in learning the best commercialization path for their technology.
UAccel Quick Start is the first phase of the two-phase program. The second phase is I-Corps.
UAccel I-Corps continues on the foundations in UAccel Quick Start and provides additional experiential entrepreneurial training.
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May 23 - June 27, 2025: UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps Summer 2025 Program
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Applications for the Summer 2025 program are open until May 1. Apply Now.
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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Cyber Security Regional Cohort (Virtual)
June 2 - June 25
NSF I-Corps Regional Program -Summer (Virtual)
June 23 - July 24
NSF I-Corps Regional Program -(NextGen Digital Technology)
August 28 - September 17
NSF I-Corps Regional Program - Fall (Virtual)
October 7 - November 6
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Click here to apply for his cohort.
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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Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Spring 2025
The Innovator Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a transformative, five-week virtual program designed to help Faculty Research turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses. Running from April 18 to May 23rd, this free program combines pre-recorded content, hands-on assignments, live discussions, and instructor office hours. Participants will gain essential entrepreneurial skills, business development strategies, and the tools needed to commercialize their ventures successfully. The bootcamp fosters economic growth, job creation, and lasting community impact through innovation. Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, it provides professional development strategies to accelerate success.
April 18 - May 23
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Click here to register.
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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Applications for this cohort closed:
MMC NSF I-Corps Spring: January 15th-March 19th
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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.
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Apps Currently Closed:
Jackson State University Spring 2025 I-Corps 101 (Virtual)
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.
Dates: Feb. 19 - Mar. 12
I-Corps 101 programming welcomes all applicants, from all backgrounds. -
Click here to apply for the cohort by Jan. 14th.
If you have questions about participation, please contact:
Dr. Almesha L. Campbell, Principal Investigator
Tel: 601.979.6347
Email: almesha.l.campbell@jsums.edu
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 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 2023 I-Corps Regional workshop will be conducted over a three-week period which includes 3 instructor-led workshops and provides the opportunity for participants to complete 20 customer interviews.
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Applications are open:
I-Corps Spring 2025:
April 9th - May 7th
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Learn more & register HERE.
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 Spring 2025 (Hybrid)
Dates: Feb. 20th - Apr. 17th
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.
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Registration for this is 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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Currently Closed cohort:
University of Memphis NSF I-Corps training program for Spring 2025 (Virtual):
Dates: March 17 - April 21
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Registration for this cohort is closed.