NSF I-Corps Workshop in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa University of Iowa in United States

NSF I-Corps Workshop at the University of Iowa is a free, online entrepreneurship and commercialization program for faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students, and researchers with STEM-based innovations or research-driven ideas.

The workshop is led through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) and focuses on turning academic research into real-world impact. Participants learn customer discovery, product-market fit, Lean Startup methods, and how to refine value propositions, identify potential users, and assess commercial potential.

This opportunity is especially relevant for teams exploring research translation, technology transfer, startup development, and pathways to external funding. The post highlights funding opportunities such as NSF I-Corps Team, SBIR/STTR, NSF Translation to Practice, and other federal agency programs including NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and NASA.

The program is offered in multiple 2026 cohorts, including Summer and Fall sessions, with sessions held Mondays from 4–6 p.m. via Zoom. The page also notes open enrollment, so applicants can register at any time through the University of Iowa NSF I-Corps page.

Eligibility highlights include being affiliated with the University of Iowa and working on a STEM-based innovation or research idea. Participants are encouraged to consult their Tech Transfer office and/or patent attorney before attending, since intellectual property may be discussed during the workshop.

Funding note: the workshop is free, but it is not a direct scholarship or stipend program. Instead, it is designed to help participants become more competitive for future grants and investment opportunities.