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Rutgers is a Partner institution of the I-Corps Northeast Hub; many opportunities and programs are available for Rutgers innovators through the Hub.
Learn about our two I-Corps training programs Novus (half-day) and Propelus (5 sessions) here
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 participating in I-Corps, we recommend you attend an upcoming Information Session or Novus (half day) program. For specific questions, email us at icorps@research.rutgers.edu. We are happy to meet with you if needed. We also encourage you to sign up for the Hub newsletter here
If you are working on an innovation and have a team of two, you may apply to the Regional program.
For more details and the link to apply, visit the Rutgers I-Corps website
We also offer additional opportunities for students and Post-docs from underrepresented groups to join a team as a Fellow. Interested students should click below to Learn about the Fellowship and apply APPLY AS A FELLOW.
You must have at least two team members to be accepted to the Propelus I-Corps Site Program.
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 of up to $1500 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) which can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery.
- Foster new collaborations; integrate into the larger Rutgers and regional innovation ecosystem
- Connect to “next steps” resources
* I-Corps™ funding is a reimbursement to teams for travel and other expenses related to conducting customer discovery interviews with to potential stakeholders (customers, payors, decision makers, etc.).
Learn more in the 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 .
Mentor the Next Generation of Innovators
We are recruiting Mentors to assist our teams in their customer discovery and commercialization efforts. If you are interested in joining our next Cohort or would like additional information about being a mentor, please fill out our brief survey.
The NSF I-Corps Hub: Northeast Region is made up of 11 universities, with new affiliates added annually. Note: Participants in Hub programs do NOT need to be affiliated with a Hub member university.
If you would like more information about the NE I I-Corps Hub programs visit us at I-Corps Northeast Hub