A learn-by-doing startup bootcamp for doers and thinkers.
Program Overview
IdeaLaunch provides an introductory foundation for participants to explore the viability of business ideas. The idea-stage program is open to all entrepreneurial minds — researchers, engineers, scientists, artists, musicians, and business and creative minds — who are ready to solve problems and turn their ideas into potential businesses.
The program is intentionally oriented to simulate the time- and cash-constrained environments in which startups operate, with instructors who will push, challenge, and question your business idea to provide direct, open, and constructive feedback. Teams will conduct customer discovery interviews to gain real-world insight into their customer bases and learn how to adjust their proposed business models based on market needs.
Team Requirements
- 2-5 team members who can participate in all workshops and customer interview efforts
- Technical proficiency of research or innovation, with an idea to incorporate the research or innovation into a product or service
- Rights to practice intellectual property
Program Expectations
Teams are required to participate in all sessions and conduct a minimum of 30 customer discovery interviews by the closing workshop.
Fall 2026 Cohorts
Each training Cohort consists of approximately 24 teams. Cohorts are taught by I-Corps Hub teaching teams.
Until further notice, all I-Corps training sessions will be held virtually (cameras on). No travel is expected for I-Corps training. Customer discovery interviews may be conducted by phone, video conferencing or in person. To conduct in-person interviews, you will need to follow your university’s travel guidance and policies. All times are given in Central Time.
Fall 2026 Cohort #1: Wednesday, September 16 – Friday, October 23
- Pre-Launch: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Opening Workshop: Friday, September 25, 2026 – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. *includes Pathways Presentation
- Office Hours: Monday, September 28 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Midpoint Workshop: Friday, October 9, 2026 – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Office Hours: Monday, October 12 – Friday, October 16, 2026
- Closing Workshop: Friday, October 23, 2026 – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m
Fall 2026 Cohort #2: Tuesday, September 29 – Friday, October 30
- Pre-Launch: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Opening Workshop: Friday, October 2, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Midpoint Workshop: Friday, October 16, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Office Hours: Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 23, 2026
- Closing Workshop & Commercialization Pathways: Friday, October 30, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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