NSF National Innovation Corps Teams (NSF National I-Corps (TM) Teams) program
The NSF National I-Corps Teams program helps NSF-funded researchers turn scientific discoveries into marketable technologies by providing entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and funding support.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: Estimated total funding: $12,000,000 | Award floor: $50,000
Summary: Supports NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding to accelerate translation of foundational research into deep technology ventures.
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National I-Corps Teams program aims to foster a robust national innovation ecosystem by helping researchers move scientific discoveries closer to commercialization. The program is designed to spur the translation of foundational research into technologies, products, processes, and services that benefit society. It provides entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and funding to NSF-funded faculty, students, and researchers, emphasizing the commercialization of "deep technologies" rooted in science and engineering.
The program engages participants in experiential learning focused on customer and industry discovery, enabling rapid evaluation of the translational potential of innovations. Outcomes for participating teams include a clear decision on commercialization pathways, evidence of product-market fit, and a technology demonstration narrative for potential partners or investors.
