Illinois I-Corps Workshop Series

The Illinois I-Corps Workshop Series uses the Lean LaunchPad method to give participants a working knowledge of how to think about their innovation ideas from a business and customer perspective, as well as how to conduct customer discovery interviews; the first step in any commercialization process. This course provides a set of skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path.

Benefits of the Program

• Develop best practices for conducting customer discovery and identifying key stakeholders.
• Learn, practice, and hone your innovation skills.
• Improve the odds for commercial success.
• Understand market trends and needs in your ecosystem.
• Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors 
• Receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs
• Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams
• Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
  
  

Fall 2026 Session Dates

Registration for Fall Illinois I-Corps will open soon! To be sent a registration reminder once registration has been opened, email Morgan. 

• September 16 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 1
• September 23| 1:00-3:00pm - Session 2
• October 7 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 3
• October 21 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 4
• November 4 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 5 

If you have questions, please contact Morgan Malm, mmalm@illinois.edu.