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
All workshops will take place in person on Mondays in 1038 at the Campus Instructional Facility.
Apply by August 31.
Friday, September 4 | Deadline for completing prep-course
Tuesday, September 8 | Notification of Acceptance
Friday, September 11 | 1:00-2:00pm - Virtual Orientation
September 14 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 1
September 21 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 2
October 5 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 3
October 19 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 4
November 2 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 5
Pre-scheduled 30-minute office hours will be held during the off weeks on September 28, October 12, and October 26. Information regarding the required prep course will be sent after applying.
Questions? Time conflict? Please email Morgan Malm at mmalm@illinois.edu.