NSF I-Corps Great Plains Regional Hub Program

Question

What is the NSF I-Corps Great Plains Regional Hub program and how do I apply?

Answer

• The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-CorpsTM) program uses experiential education to help researchers gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship, starting a business, or industry requirements and challenges.
• Benefits of NSF I-Corps Regional training:
  1. Gain valuable insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development
  2. Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams
  3. Cultivate network connections and receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs
  4. Develop the entrepreneurial mindset and toolset needed to start a successful business
• How to apply for an NSF I-Corps Great Plains Regional Hub cohort:
  1. Have an idea or technology
  2. Form a 3-5 member team consisting of the following:
     • Technical Lead: A faculty member who is the technology inventor and serves as principal investigator (PI), or a postdoctoral researcher who has expertise in the core technology area.
     • Entrepreneurial Lead: An undergraduate student, graduate student or postdoctoral researcher who leads the team and is committed to commercialization.
     • Industry member: An industry expert with business/entrepreneurial experience who is independent from the technology development and team.
  3. Apply for a cohort at https://gp-icorps.org/

If you need assistance with the application process, need help forming a team, or have additional questions, reach out to tto@usd.edu.