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

The Spring 2026 cohort will be held online. 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.

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.

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