Course Description
This local NSF I-Corps-based program offered by Missouri S&T is a six week course designed to provide researchers and innovators with the skills and tools necessary to identify and validate customer needs, develop a compelling value proposition, and achieve product-market fit.
This virtual course will cover:
- Principles of customer discovery
- Interviewing techniques
- Survey design
- Identifying your value proposition
Participants will learn how to use these insights to develop a unique value proposition and refine their product offering to meet the needs of their target market. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and expert mentorship, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the innovation process and how to increase their chances of commercial success.
Course Benefits
- Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams (only deep-tech, university-based teams who complete at least 20-30 customer discovery interviews).
- Upon completion of the workshop and the customer discovery interviews, you and/or your team may be eligible for for a mini-grant of ~$500. Funds may reimbursed customer discovery interview travel expenses.
- Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
- 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.
Course Schedule
All course sessions will take place on Mondays, 4-6 pm CT, from October 21 – November 25. All events will be held virtually.
Please fill out the following registration: