The Ohio State University local NSF I-Corps program offers an immersive six-week training program tailored to faculty, staff and students eager to explore the commercial potential of their research. The Lean Launchpad approach is a proven process to help systematically test key assumptions about your technology/product/service and the customer problems it may solve. This process will help you narrow your focus as you test specific hypotheses about your proposed product/service.

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

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 customer discovery interviews).
• 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 sessions will take place in-person at The Ohio State University, 1636 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201.

• May 16, 9:00-11:30 am ET
• May 23, 9:00-11:30 am ET
• May 30, 9:00-11:30 am ET
• June 6, 9:00-11:30 am ET
• June 20, 9:00-11:30 am ET