UNIVERSITY OF IOWA I-CORPS
The NSF I-Corps program at the University of Iowa, led by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), helps researchers, innovators, and early-stage startups explore the commercial potential of their work and make a real impact in the world. Through hands-on customer discovery and the Lean Startup approach, participants learn how to test assumptions, refine their value propositions, and better understand the people they aim to serve. This four-week program is open to faculty, graduate students, staff, and entrepreneurs developing STEM-based innovations or research-driven ideas. Participants work alongside experienced instructors and mentors to gain insights that shape smarter decisions around product development and market fit.
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
- Receive a digital certificate upon course completion.
- 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)
2026 Cohorts
- September 2026
- 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12
- Class sessions 4pm CT – 6pm CT
- Registration is open for the September cohort.
- November 2026
- 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30
- Class sessions 4pm CT – 6pm CT
- Registration is open for the November cohort.
Registration for the September Cohort is open!
Registration Deadline: September 7
- Free, Virtual Cohort
- Open to all Midwest innovators and researchers
- September 14 – October 12, 2026
- Class sessions on Mondays, at 4-6pm CT
Registration for the Fall Cohort is open!
Registration Deadline: October 26
- Free, Virtual Cohort
- Open to all Midwest innovators and researchers
- November 2 – November 30, 2026
- Class sessions on Mondays, at 4-6pm CT
