The OSU Regional NSF I-Corps Program
Are you working on a solution to a societal problem?
OSU's Regional NSF I-Corps program trains early stage teams with a disruptive innovation how to define a value proposition and identify a target customer segment through the customer discovery process.
Eligibility Requirements
- Preference given to university affiliated early stage startups. Community teams will be considered.
- Minimum team of 2 people; no prior business experience required.
- Teams can include faculty researchers, graduate students, post docs, or community members
- Each team member must attend all course sessions.
- Commitment to conduct 20 customer discovery interviews and dedicate 2–5 hours/week outside of class time.
Program Schedule
SCHEDULE: Spring Term: April 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
From 2–4 p.m. PT
FORMAT: Remote via Zoom.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENT: Team must participate in all 4 sessions. 20 customer discovery interviews conducted independently outside of class.
Why It Works
- Advance your innovation with hands-on guidance.
- Validate your idea through direct feedback.
- Connect with other innovators solving critical challenges.
What You’ll Learn
- Learn foundational entrepreneurship skills through hands-on, team-based training.
- Identify your top customer segment and value proposition.
- Conduct 20 customer discovery interviews to validate your innovation.
Program Cost
There is no cost to participate.
How to Apply
Apply through the NW I-Corps Hub application
Requirements for Continuing on to the National I-Corps Program
2-4 peeps
Teams with university IP who complete the OSU Regional NSF I-Corps program with instructor endorsement are eligible to apply for the National NSF I-Corps program.
University affiliation will be required for National I-Corps program participation.
FAQs
1. What is the schedule for OSU Ag-ccelerator I-Corps?
The program runs for four consecutive Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. PT each term.
2. What are the eligibility requirements?
Team Size: Each team must have a minimum of 2 members, typically composed of faculty researches, graduate students, post docs or community members.
Technology Innovation: NSF I-Corps is designed for research teams developing new discoveries at a university or academic lab. NSF I-Corps can be a key first step to translate a new technology into a startup with a viable commercial market.
Early Stage: If you have a startup team or an idea and are new to the customer discovery process, you’re in the right place. No business experience is required.
3. What else do you look for from applicants?
Commitment: Each team member will actively participate in at least 20 customer feedback interviews during the program and is required to attend each remote program session. To make the most of the immersive program, each team member should expect to invest 2-5 hours/week outside of class time.
Flexibility: The most successful teams have a high tolerance for uncertainty, a willingness to succeed or fail together, and a mindset open to iteration based on feedback.
4. What is the application process?
The application process is simple and takes about 10 minutes to complete. After submission, our instructor team will follow up if additional details are needed.
5. Is OSU Regional NSF I-Corps program in-person or remote?
The program is offered fully remote via Zoom.
6. Do applicants need a university affiliation?
University affiliation is preferred. Community teams will be considered. If you are working on a disruptive innovation in the NW-Hub region, we welcome you to apply. However, to be eligible for the National NSF I-Corps program, the intellectual property must reside with a university.
7. Is there any cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the OSU Regional NSF I-Corps program.