Deep technology (deep tech) describes technologically-based enterprises that work to overcome scientific and/or engineering challenges through fostering innovative solutions and approaches. Deep tech centers research and development focused on the successful commercialization of innovative ideas and valuable intellectual property.
Our regional and national programs require a substantial time commitment—team members are expected to spend a minimum of 15 hours per week, over the course of seven weeks, participating and preparing for events, along with conducting the customer discovery process.
The first step at applying for the National I-Corps grant is to familiarize yourself with the program’s requirements and guidelines. Once you review this information, you should assemble a team, develop a compelling proposal for your project, and then submit the full proposal per program instructions and await a decision.
Feel free to reach out to someone on the I-Corps leadership team to learn more!
Teams that are interested in the programs offered by the Southwest Hub can find upcoming cohort dates here. Application forms can be found on the cohort’s webpage.
The primary use for the I-Corps grant will be customer discovery, including domestic travel expenses and trade shows. International travel and academic conferences are allowed with the written approval of a Cognizant I-Corps Program Officer.
Prior to your interview, ensure all team members have an in-depth understanding of the research and technology; the potential for commercialization; target customers; and the team’s role within the program.
The Southwest Hub is open to faculty and student teams based out of any higher education or research institution within Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Teams are required to participate in all sessions and conduct a minimum of 30 customer discovery interviews by the closing workshop.
Each team will have an Entrepreneurial Lead, Technical Lead, and an I-Corps Team Mentor, plus any additional co-Entrepreneurial Leads, co-Technical Leads, or co-I-Corps Team Mentors.
Entrepreneurial Leads should be a postdoctoral scholar, graduate, or other student or other personnel with relevant knowledge of the technology and a deep commitment to investigate the commercial landscape surrounding the innovation. This role is responsible for the transition of technology should the project demonstrate the potential for commercial viability.
The Technical Lead will typically be a faculty member, senior research scientist, or postdoctoral scholar with technical expertise in the team’s technology. This role also serves as the proposal Principal Investigator.
The I-Corps Team Mentor will typically be an experienced entrepreneur with proximity to the institution and previous experience in transitioning technology out of academic labs and into the commercialization process; they must be a third-party resource. This role is responsible for advising the team through the I-Corps process and helping the team navigate the business ecosystem.
Yes—mentors are required, however, teams do not have to identify a mentor prior to program application. The Southwest Hub can assist with mentor identification and team formation.
Yes, our team can assist with program applications. Please contact to learn more!
If a faculty member does not have the time to participate in the NSF National I-Corps program, they can consider involving a co-investigator or collaborator who can take on the role of the principal investigator (PI). The PI is responsible for representing the academic institution and overseeing the project. It is crucial to identify someone who has the necessary time availability, expertise, and commitment to fulfill the responsibilities of the PI role.
Regional program teams will have 2-5 members who can participate in all workshops and customer discovery efforts; proficiency in the research or innovation, with an idea to incorporate it into a product or service; and the rights to practice intellectual property. Previous NSF lineage is not required for participation in the regional program.
National program teams will have 2-5 team members who can participate in all interviews, office hours, and online sessions; the rights to practice intellectual property; and a current, demonstrated NSF funding history or a funding history that has expired within the last five years.
The innovation or research should be university-based intellectual property; demonstrate promise for commercialization; and/or be a “deep tech discovery” from fundamental STEM-based research.
All team members are required to attend program sessions and workshops, however, the time investment varies for each role. Mentors will commit approximately 5-10 hours/week, Technical Leads will commit approximately 10 hours/week, and Entrepreneurial Leads will commit approximately 30 hours/week to I-Corps programming and customer discovery.
All team members are required to attend program sessions and workshops, however, the time investment varies for each role. Mentors will commit approximately 5-10 hours/week, Technical Leads will commit approximately 10 hours/week, and Entrepreneurial Leads will commit approximately 30 hours/week to I-Corps programming and customer discovery.