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NSF I-Corps Training for Phase I Awardees

Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I awardees can apply for participation in the NSF National Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) Program. See below for more information.

Key Information:

  • All Phase I SBIR and STTR awardees funded under NSF 23-515 and NSF 24-579 solicitations are eligible for this program.
  • NSF 23-515 awardees may allocate up to $20,000 of their Phase I award, and NSF 24-579 awardees may allocate up to $25,000 of their Phase I award for customer discovery tools, salary for time and effort, and travel and conference fees.
  • The program is based on the I-Corps program but has been updated with more extensive and in-depth course material designed for Phase I companies that covers the entire business model canvas and minimum viable product testing.
  • Customer discovery interviews will provide market evidence to strengthen your Phase II proposal.
  • You will connect with potential customers and other important people in your ecosystem.
  • Meetings will be held virtually. No travel for training or in-person interviews required.
  • You will complete a minimum of 100 interviews.

How to Apply:

Apply for the I-Corps program

  • Remember to include your Phase I Award Number.
  • You may be asked to schedule an interview with the I-Corps Program Directors.
  • There will be an onboarding session two to three weeks before the kickoff to help you prepare for the program.

Upcoming I-Corps Training Dates:

2025 Fall SBIR I-Corps Cohorts:

Summer SBIR/STTR Cohort 3
Onboarding Session: Jun 17 (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Kickoff: Jul 8 - 11 (1:00 – 5:00 pm on Jul 8; 10:00 am - 8:00 pm on Jul 9 - 10; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Jul 11)
Weekly Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
Lessons Learned (online): Aug 20 - 21 (11:45 am – 6:00 pm on Aug 20; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Aug 21)

Fall SBIR cohort 1
Onboarding session (online): Jun 17 Aug. 26 (1 - 3 p.m.)
Kickoff (online): Sept. 16 - 19 (1 - 5 p.m. on Sept. 16; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 - 18; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sept. 19)
Weekly sessions (online): Thursdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 (1 - 4 p.m.)
Lessons learned (online): Nov. 6 - 7 (11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Nov. 6; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 7)

Fall SBIR cohort 2
Onboarding session (online): Sept. 30 (1 - 3 p.m.)
Kickoff (online): Oct 21 - 24 (1 - 5 p.m. on Oct. 21; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Oct. 22 - 23; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct. 24)
Weekly sessions (online): Wednesdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 (1 - 4 p.m.)
Lessons learned (online): Dec. 10 - 11 (11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Dec. 10; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Dec. 11)