This I-Corps course provides a set of skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path. 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 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)

• Summer 2026
  • 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/21
    • Optional course orientation: 7/6, 12-12:30 ET
  • Class sessions 9am ET – 11am ET
  • Registration is open for the summer cohort.
• Fall 2026
  • 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4
    • Optional course orientation: 10/16, 9-9:45 am ET
  • Class sessions 9am ET – 11am ET
  • Registration is open for the fall cohort.

*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!

Registration for the Summer Cohort is open!

Registration Deadline: July 3

• Free, Virtual Cohort
• Open to all Midwest innovators and researchers
• July 10 – August 21, 2026
• Class sessions on Fridays, at 9am ET

Registration for the Fall Cohort is open!

Registration Deadline: October 16

• Free, Virtual Cohort
• Open to all Midwest innovators and researchers
• October 23 – December 4, 2026
• Class sessions on Fridays, at 9am ET