NSF I-Corps Hub

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovation Corps, or I-Corps, is a program that prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge, deep tech research into commercial success.

Funded in January 2025, Brown University is proud to be part of the New England Region I-Corps Hub, led by MIT and joined by 6 other New England universities. At Brown, the I-Corps team works in collaboration with Brown Technology Innovations to ensure I-Corps participants are connected to the entrepreneurship ecosystem at Brown University.

Increase the impact of your research
Low commitment ‘dip your toe in the water’ exploration of commercialization of your research
Alternative funding sources (tap large sources of funding for commercialization and additional research)
Expand career opportunities
IP licensing and equity can generate personal income

Step 1: Spark Course (instructor-led)

3 week program, begins with a 3-hour opening workshop and closes with a 3-hour wrap-up workshop; approximately 15 - 20 hours total commitment
Virtual courses begin about 2x a month, in-person courses at Brown about 2x a year
Receive support and mentoring during 1-hour coaching calls with experienced entrepreneurs
Conduct customer discovery where you interview potential users and customer for your technology (12 total interviews)

Step 2: Fusion (Self-paced)

Must complete a Spark course first
Complete 12 additional interviews
Receive additional coaching and funding for customer discovery
Eligible for $1000 for travel expenses to conduct interviews

Step 3: National Program (instructor-led)

Expected to have completed the Spark first [with some exceptions]
Deeper and broader customer discovery
7 week immersive program, 100 interviews
Eligible for $50,000 NSF grant

Faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows who have a product idea based on a technology are eligible to apply. If you aren’t sure, reach out to Sarah Biester, the I-Corps Project Director at Brown.