The Milwaukee I-Corps Program, an affiliate of the NSF I-Corps Hub of Great Lakes Region, helps researchers and academic entrepreneurs explore viability of their research discoveries and/or technologies through the “Lean Launch” process of direct engagement with the potential markets in a series of online workshops. The program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a collaboration among five Milwaukee academic institutions: Concordia University of Wisconsin, Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee along with the UWM Research Foundation. In addition to exploring markets and the “problem-solution fit” participants will also gain important professional development skills and industry contacts.

Learning Objectives

• Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, ecosystem mapping, and the Value Proposition Canvas
• Understand customers’ problems (“pain points”) from THEIR perspective.
• Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements, and decision processes.
• Build connections to the commercial ecosystem (i.e. customers, suppliers, funders) for your innovation.
• Learn skills that can help you secure future innovation funding (SBIR/STTR).

Benefits of the Program

• Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development.
• Develop network connections and receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs.
• Develop the entrepreneurial mindset and toolset needed for a career in academia, industry, startups, or government.
• Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant. (Eligibility requirements apply. Contact us if you are interested in applying for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program)

• Summer 2026
  • 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
  • Class sessions 5pm CT – 7pm CT
  • *In-person attendance required. Location: Lubar Entrepreneurship Center at UW-Milwaukee
  • Registration is open for the Summer cohort.

Registration for the Summer Cohort is open!

Registration Deadline: July 6

• Free Cohort
• July 13 – August 10, 2026
• Class sessions on Fridays, at 5pm CT