I-CORPS PROGRAM
Taking innovation from the laboratory to the marketplace
University at Buffalo is part of the I-Corps Interior Northeast Hub, a partnership of 10 universities led by Cornell University to build an inclusive innovation network that will accelerate regional entrepreneurship and economic development.
Founded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2011, I-Corps programming empowers researchers to combine their technical and scientific knowledge with an entrepreneurial mindset to develop new technologies and startups that benefit society.
About the I-Corps Interior Northeast Hub
Entrepreneurship training for scientists and engineers
The Interior Northeast Hub offers frequent regional I-Corps training courses to members of the innovation and scientific community (students, postdocs, faculty and other researchers) throughout the region. I-Corps courses help innovators reduce the risk of pursuing commercialization and accelerate the translation of research discoveries into products and services that benefit society.
Impactful regional outreach
The Hub creates community among STEM innovators at the Hub institutions. Hub partners will also engage with, and invite participation from, smaller nearby institutions in a “hub of hubs” approach to ensure truly inclusive coverage of the entire region. The Hub will continually conduct entrepreneurship research and data analysis to ensure its programs are making a positive impact.
Regional Courses
NSF I-Corps Regional Courses are for university-based STEM researchers and early-stage startup founders who are interested in exploring the market potential of their work and learning entrepreneurial skills.
The I-Corps curriculum addresses the knowledge gap between the skills needed to develop an innovative technology in a lab and the skills needed to bring that technology to market. Participants in I-Corps courses work to connect with potential customers and ensure the solutions they’re developing fill an existing market need.
“I-Corps is a transformative program for STEM entrepreneurs. It provides a tested structure for evaluating product-market fit that is essential for the success of technology-focused startups in essentially any area.”
Lynden Archer, Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering and James A. Friend Family Distinguished Professor in Engineering at Cornell University
EVENTS
I-Corps events include regional courses and information sessions. Check back often for a current list of events.
University at Buffalo-affiliated STEM researchers and early-stage startup founders are welcome to participate in any Hub regional courses regardless of the host institution. We also welcome participants from smaller nearby institutions.
For questions on eligibility or program details contact Sara Goodman at saragood@buffalo.edu.
Additional resources for startup growth
Move technology innovations with commercial potential closer to market with support from the Buffalo Innovation Accelerator Fund.
Get up to $100,000 in pre-seed startup capital and help from experienced entrepreneurs through the UB Cultivator.
Start your own business or explore entrepreneurship as a career path with expertise and resources from Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab) powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, our student entrepreneurship program.