Illinois I-Corps

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.

Spring 2026 Session Dates

Note: Spring 2026 cohort will take place in person. All times listed are CT.
APPLICATION DEADLINE | Monday, February 9 

  • Mon | Feb 16 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 1
  • Mon | Feb 23 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 2
  • Mon | Mar 9 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 3
  • Mon | Mar 23 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 4
  • Mon | Apr 6 | 1:00-3:00pm - Session 5

Apply Here for the Spring 2026 Session


Applications are done through our Hub website. 
If you have questions, please contact Morgan Malm, mmalm@illinois.edu. 

More 2026 Session Dates

  • Summer 2026
    • 6/8, 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27
    • Class sessions 1–3pm CT
    • Registration is not currently open for the summer cohort.

  • Fall 2026
    • 9/16, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4
    • Class sessions 1–3pm CT
    • Registration is not currently open for the fall cohort.