Entrepreneurship Academy

Application Instructions

 

I-Corps Application Instructions

Before filling out the I-Corps application, please read these instructions in its entirety. If you have any further questions, please email entrepreneurshipacademy@bowiestate.edu 

I-Corps Team Composition & Description  

A I-Corps team, must consist of a minimum of 2 people (Entrepreneurial lead and the Technical Lead) and a maximum of 3 people.  

Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) – The entrepreneurial lead, typically a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student, or other student, possesses relevant technical knowledge and a deep commitment to investigate the commercial landscape surrounding the innovation. The entrepreneurial lead should also be prepared to support the transition of the innovation, should the I-Corps project demonstrate a level of readiness appropriate for commercialization.  

Technical Lead (TL) – The technical lead serves as the technical lead and project manager, who deeply understands the innovation. A university faculty or staff member often assumes this role. 

Industry Mentor (IM) (Strongly recommended but optional)– This team member is typically a seasoned entrepreneur or business executive with 10+ years of industry experience. The mentor guides the team forward, serves as a sounding board, and assists the team to validate the business proposition. The IM is an optional team member, if you do not have a mentor, you can still complete the program with just a EL and TL; An IM can be assigned.   

Application Timeline 

  • Application opens September 23rd   
  • Application closes on December 6th     
  • Application review December 9th – 11th    
  • Applicant notification: December 11st     

Program Timeline 

  • I-Corps Class Session #1 January 9th 1:00 PM– 5:00 PM  
  • I-Corps Class Session #2 January 10th 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM  
  • I-Corps Class Session #3 January 17th 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM 
  • I-Corps Class Session #4 January 24th  1:00 PM- 5:00 PM   

I-Corps Program Expectations 

The I-Corps course is a vigorous 2 week program. The expected time commitment of the team during this 2-week program is 15-20 hours a week.  

Once applicants receive an acceptance letter, they are expected to line up their interviews for customer discovery, prior to the first class which starts on October 28th.   

I-Corps Program Stipend 

Each I-Corps team will be awarded $3000 for their project. This stipend is to be used for travel for customer interview, research resources, etc.