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Accelerating Technology Commercialization
Illinois I-Corps teaches university faculty and student entrepreneurs to identify valuable product opportunities that can emerge from academic research, and provides entrepreneurship training to participants.
The I-Corps Program Drives Innovation and Economic Growth in the State of Illinois
Illinois is emerging as a flourishing hub for university driven entrepreneurship. Illinois companies and startups fueled by the I-Corps program have generated a stunning $1,395,870,000 in total economic impact, according to data as of February 2026. I-Corps trained companies have secured over $475,000,000 in follow-on funding, resulting in the creation of 318 jobs and 4,106 job years since 2012.
HOW TO TRANSFER
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH INTO COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
THE NO. 1 REASON THAT STARTUPS FAIL:
BUILDING A PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT
SOLVE A CUSTOMER’S NEED!
Successfully commercializing technology takes more than the "if you build it, they will come" approach, and I-Corps can help you identify a successful path forward for your venture. Avoid wasting time, money or social capital in building something that consumers will not buy.
Learn About Illinois I-Corps
The National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) program uses experiential education to help researchers gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship, starting a business or industry requirements and challenges.
Participate in I-Corps Programs
I-Corps programs can teach you how to translate promising ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace.
Mentor/Coach
Mentor a team or learn how to teach the I-Corps and Lean LaunchPad methodology.
AMOUNT OF FUNDING THAT TEAMS HAVE RAISED
PARTICIPANTS IN ILLINOIS I-CORPS
DEPARTMENTS REPRESENTED ACROSS CAMPUS