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University of Michigan I-Corps Fall 2026

October 23 - December 4
Free

Michigan I-Corps

I-Corps taught by the University of Michigan. Class sessions on Fridays, 9am-11am ET. Virtual and open to all Midwest innovators and researchers.
Apply

The cohort is currently full. By applying, you will be added to our waitlist.

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I-Corps is all about customer discovery and evidence-based innovation! It uses the Lean LaunchPad method to give participants a working knowledge of how to think about their innovation ideas from a business and customer perspective, as well as how to conduct customer discovery interviews; the first step in any commercialization process. This free, online course is for faculty, researchers, postdocs, and students interested in practicing and honing their innovation skills. It is open to non-university participants as well.

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 about Customer Discovery and evidence-based entrepreneurship.

Benefits of the Program

  • Receive a digital certificate upon course completion.
  • Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development.
  • Develop the entrepreneurial mindset and toolset needed for a career in academia, industry, startups, or government.
  • Learn skills that can help you secure future innovation funding (SBIR/STTR).
  • Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program. (Eligibility requirements apply. Contact us if you are interested in applying for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program)

Program Dates and Details

  • 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4
    • Optional course orientation: 10/16, 9-9:45 am ET
  • Class sessions 9am ET – 11am ET

*Optional Pre I-Corps Course Orientation: Hosted by the University of Michigan’s I-Corps Instructors, this virtual session aims to help participants understand the program’s structure, expectations, and available resources. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration to the I-Corps program. Join us to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey with confidence and clarity!

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