NSF I-Corps Hub at Brown

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NSF I-Corps Hub at Brown

NSF I-CORPS New England Region LogoThe 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.

Brown University is proud to be part of the New England Region I-Corps Hub, which was launched in January 2025. This partnership is led by MIT and is composed of seven other New England universities, including Brown. 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
  • Tap alternative 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)

  • Must first complete Spark and Fusion [with some exceptions]. Specific team requirements include a technical lead, entrepreneurial lead, and an industry mentor.
  • Deeper and broader customer discovery
  • Seven-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.