Main Content
Rutgers is a partner institution of the NSF I-Corps Northeast Region Hub. Rutgers innovators have access to Hub programs, events and other opportunities through this partnership.
The Northeast Region I-Corps Hub includes 11 universities, with new affiliates added annually. I-Corps™ is funded by the National Science Foundation with a goal of nurturing and supporting local teams to help transition their innovative technology concepts into the marketplace.
The I-Corps 4-session regional program (Propelus) provides mentoring, networking opportunities, training, modest funding* and access to resources to assist teams (2 or more people) with the commercialization process and prepares teams with university-based innovations for the National I-Corps™ Teams Program. Novus, a half-day introduction to I-Corps (training for individuals and teams) is a stepping stone to the Propelus Program. See upcoming program dates here
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. Programs offered in-person at specific universities are typically open to the entire Hub community.
We will be hosting an upcoming Propelus Program at Rutgers-New Brunswick. See details below. If you are working on an innovation and have a team of two or more, you can apply via the link below.
Note: A great way to learn more about I-Corps opportunities is to attend an upcoming Information Session. For questions, you can email icorps@research.rutgers.edu. We are also happy to meet with you to discuss upcoming programs and opportunities.
We offer additional opportunities for students and Post-Docs from underrepresented groups to join a team going through the Propelus Program as an I-Corps Fellow. Interested students should click below to Learn about the Fellowship.
Do you have an idea that you think may have commercial potential? Do you want to learn some key concepts helpful in business?
If your answers are “yes,” then the I-Corps™ program may be for you! See additional information and eligibility guidelines below.
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.
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.
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 icorps@research.rutgers.edu with any eligibility questions.
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:
- I-Corps startup Steg.AI licenses with Rutgers University
- Research@Rutgers Article – https://research.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-expand-entrepreneurship-training-programs-researchers-partner-new-nsf-i-corps-hub
- Rutgers Today article Bringing a Silicon Valley Approach to Help Rutgers Research Move Beyond the Laboratory, Rutgers launches local National Science Foundation supported program to train scientists to become entrepreneurs
Visit the Hub News page For programs, events, funding and more, sign up for the Hub Newsletter