I-Corps™ – Office of Resource and Economic Development

Rutgers is one of the partner institutions of the NSF I-Corps Northeast Region Hub; the Hub offers many opportunities and programs and all are available to Rutgers innovators.

Novus I-Corps @ Rutgers – New Brunswick

Learn about the impact your research or innovation could have in solving real-world problems by attending Novus I-Corps – a half-day introduction to I-Corps.
When: Thursday, January 30, 2025 · 11:30am – 3:30pm ET
Where: Hatchery Innovation Studio – Alexander Library, 169 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
RSVP here by Fri. January, 24; a Networking Lunch will be provided so please RSVP by the deadline

Novus I-Corps provides an opportunity for individuals and teams with innovations to:

Shift your mindset from science and technology to the people who would benefit
Understand how Customer Discovery drives innovation (and gets you out of the building!)
Meet local leaders in NSF I-Corps and Rutgers Office for Research to guide your journey
Learn tips for success from I-Corps Alumni sharing their experience
Network with innovation-minded individuals to help form teams or guide your next steps

Register here

Teams of 2 or more with an innovation are encouraged to apply for the 4-session Regional I-Corps Training Program at Rutgers-New Brunswick. See details about I-Corps and how it can help you learn about the market for your innovation below. Use the “APPLY AS A TEAM” link to apply.

APPLY NOW!
The first session on Monday, March 3 and the last session on Friday, March 28 will be held in-person in New Brunswick, NJ. The application deadline is January 31, 2025.

Future Rutgers Cohorts will be held in June and October/November.

APPLY AS A TEAM

What is I-Corps?

I-Corps is an experiential training program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) . The program helps teams of innovators explore the commercial potential of their research/innovation through “customer discovery” interviews with key stakeholders.

Faculty, staff and students from ALL Rutgers campuses/schools and alumni who have a technology-based innovation are invited to apply for this eye-opening 4-session program. Our team has one main goal – to support you in transitioning your technology concept(s) into the marketplace.

Ideas or projects can originate from research (funded or unfunded), institutional projects, capstone projects or other student work. Many projects are in area(s) of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) normally supported by the National Science Foundation but that is not a requirement.

How can I learn more?

If you are interested in I-Corps, we suggest you attend an Information Session or Novus (half day) Intro to I-Corps program. For specific questions, email us at i-corps@research.rutgers.edu. We are also willing to meet with you to provide more information. Rutgers innovators (Faculty, Staff and students) can participate in any programs or training offered through the Northeast Region I-Corps Hub. See the Hub calendar for opportunities or programs offered at partner schools.

See the top of this page for information on the FREE Novus “Intro. to I-Corps” session on January 30 at 11:30 am. Sign up here.

If you are working on an innovation, have a team of two or more, and want to apply to the Regional program (Propelus), use the APPLY AS A TEAM link above. See the team members tab for a description of the roles of team members to help you complete your application.

I-Corps Fellowship

We also offer additional opportunities for students and Post-docs from underrepresented groups who do not have their own innovation to join a team going through an upcoming I-Corps Cohort as a Fellow. The Fellows receive a stipend for this unique and exciting educational experience. Interested? Learn about the Fellowship here or apply below.

APPLY AS A FELLOW

Not ready to apply – we encourage you to sign up for the Hub newsletter here to learn about all upcoming opportunities.

Benefits of participating in I-Corps™

Gain a deeper knowledge of the market; discover new market applications for your innovation – “the Pivot”
Learn what it takes to commercialize technology and overcome barriers; improve future fundability
Earn designation as an NSF-funded project >eligible to apply for the National NSF I-Corps™ and a $50k grant
Receive a stipend for up to $1500 for Customer Discovery and related expenses
Foster new collaborations; integrate into the larger Rutgers and regional innovation ecosystem
Connect to “next steps” resources

For questions, you can email i-corps@research.rutgers.edu. We are also happy to meet with you to discuss upcoming programs and opportunities.

Application Guidelines and Process

Who can apply?
Rutgers faculty, staff and students on ALL campuses and alumni are eligible to apply to the NE I-Corps Hub cohorts. Cohorts are also open to all schools who are members of the Hub and those in the region. You must have two or more team members to be accepted into the Regional Program. See information about forming an I-Corps team here .

Note: If you are interested in participating in I-Corps as an Entrepreneurial Lead but don’t have an innovation, we may be able to match you with a team. We also suggest you attend a Novus Program to meet our team and other regional innovators in person.

Where do I-Corps innovations come from?
Hub team ideas or projects can originate from faculty or staff research (funded or unfunded), student work, or capstone projects.. The topical focus of a project should be in an area(s) of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) normally supported by the National Science Foundation or other federal agency. Please email us at i-corps@research.rutgers.edu with any eligibility questions.

Who can apply for the fellowship?
Students (undergraduate and graduate) and Post-Docs from underrepresented groups at Rutgers and the other schools in the region are encouraged to apply to be an I-Corps Fellow. Visit the Fellowship page for more information.

When do I submit my application?
We have a rolling interview process and most teams that apply will be contacted to schedule a 20 minute Zoom interview with the Application Review Committee. Rutgers Cohort Application deadlines are typically listed on this page. See the Hub calendar for virtual opportunities or programs offered at partner schools.

Learn more in the following articles:

Visit the Hub News page for programs, events, funding and more, sign up for the Hub Newsletter

Note: We welcome innovators from the Northeast Region to join Hub programs; you DO NOT need to be affiliated with a Hub member university to participate. Whether in person or virtual, Programs offered in-person at specific universities are open to the entire Hub community.

Apply Here

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