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 sessions take place on Mondays in person in 1038 Campus Instructional Facility.
Register by August 31.

Questions? Please email Morgan Malm at mmalm@illinois.edu.