NSF I-Corps training fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, helping researchers, inventors, and aspiring entrepreneurs transform scientific and technological discoveries into viable, marketable products and services.
Tech Launch Arizona's Role in the Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub
As the driving force behind innovation and technology commercialization at the University of Arizona, Tech Launch Arizona plays a pivotal role in the Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub. Together, we are your Countdown to Launch partners in the region, offering:
- Training and mentorship for researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Access to a vast network of industry experts.
- Assistance with customer discovery, market validation, and technology commercialization.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, connecting brilliant minds with real-world impact. We provide resources and mentorship to empower individuals and teams to move their innovations from the lab to the marketplace.
Upcoming Courses
Dates for the 2025 Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub courses and info sessions can be found here:
APPLY HERE FOR HUB courses Register for an info session
Go to the Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub Events page for details, dates and to sign up.
Key Components of the NSF I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region
1. The Team
Teams are usually comprised of an Entrepreneurial Lead, a Technical Lead (Principal Investigator), and Mentor. While required for national I-Corps teams, a 3-person team is not mandatory for regional training, and teams with 1 or 2 members are encouraged to apply.
- The Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) could be a Post-Doctoral scholar, graduate or other student or other personnel with relevant knowledge of the technology and a deep commitment to investigate the commercial landscape surrounding the innovation.
- The Technical Lead (TL) will typically be a faculty member, senior research scientist or postdoctoral scholar with deep and direct technical expertise in the actual core technology about which the I-Corps team is exploring commercial potential. Typically the Technical Lead will also serve as the proposal Principal Investigator (PI).
- The I-Corps Teams Mentor (IM) will typically be an experienced entrepreneur with proximity to the institution and experience in transitioning technology out of Academic labs. The I-Corps Mentor will be responsible for advising the team through the I-Corps process and helping the team navigate the business ecosystem in the specific application area(s).
2. Curriculum
Our comprehensive curriculum provides participants with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the commercialization process successfully. This includes customer discovery, business models, and value propositions.
3. Customer Discovery
The heart of the program is learning directly from potential customers through interviews and feedback, a crucial step in understanding market needs.
How to Get Involved
Whether you're a researcher, student, or a potential industry mentor, find out how to get involved with NSF I-Corps and Tech Launch Arizona. Start your Countdown to Launch toward innovation and entrepreneurship.
Need help or answers regarding I-Corps? Let us know, we're here to help.
Tyler McCusker
tylermccusker@arizona.edu