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NSF I-Corps

Desert and Pacific Region Hub

Entrepreneurial Training to Bring Technology to the Market

Entrepreneurial Training

The National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) program provides 4-weeks of entrepreneurial training for teams of researchers, students, and mentors to explore the commercial potential of their research and innovation.

Focused on research-based deep technology venture products and services, the Desert and Pacific Region Hub spans five states.

Select the start date that interests you for detailed information and an application link specific to that cohort. Cohort dates are as follows:

Cohort 1 (Jan 12 to Feb 9), Cohort 2 (Feb 23 to Mar 22), Cohort 3 (Apr 5 to May 3), Cohort 4 (May 17 to Jun 14), Cohort 5 (Jun 28 to Aug 2), Cohort 6 (Aug 16 to Sep 13), Cohort 7 (Sep 27 to Oct 25), Cohort 8 (Nov 8 to Dec 13)

Hub Partners

Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, University of Hawaii, Boise State University, University of Idaho, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas

National Science Foundation I-Corps Desert and Pacific Region logo.
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What to Expect

Two researchers in a lab studying liquid in a bottle and 3D printer.

Get Entrepreneurial Training and Support

  • Qualify for a $3,000 stipend
  • 4-week, high-impact virtual program
  • Opportunity to qualify for the National I-Corps Teams program, and increase competitiveness for a $50,000 grant
  • Open to all entrepreneurs: Faculty, Staff, Students & Community

Explore Your Idea’s Commercial Potential

  • Improve commercial success through assumption testing and customer discovery
  • Validate your business model and establish product-market fit
  • Expand your network and develop industry connections

Upcoming Cohorts

Each cohort is composed of:

  • Info Session
  • 4-Weeks of Virtual Workshops

Time Commitment and Class Time

  • 32 hours total; 8 hours per week
  • Class time, 15-20 customer interviews, weekly homework, office hours with I-Corps instructional team

Alumni Testimonials

In the News

Empowering Parents and Enhancing Infant Health
Research-Based Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the NSF I-Corps Program

Questions? Please Contact

BSU Partner Team

  • Nancy Glenn

    Nancy Glenn

    Vice President, Research and Economic Development

    I-Corps Principal Investigator for Research and Economic Development
  • Shawn Benner

    Shawn Benner

    Dean, College of Innovation + Design

    I-Corps Faculty Lead for College of Innovation and Design
  • Kent Neupert

    Kent Neupert

    Chair, Department of Management, College of Business and Economics

    I-Corps Research Lead for Department of Management
  • Cara Van Sant

    Cara Van Sant

    Director, Venture College

    I-Corps Evaluation Lead for the Venture College
  • Rick Ritter

    Rick Ritter

    Lab Director, New Ventures Lab & Adjunct Faculty, Department of Management

    I-Corps Instructional Lead for Department of Management