Programs

Emerging and ongoing opportunities to commercialize inventions and/or launch technology/science-driven ventures. Conferences, competitions, events and seminars for innovators and entrepreneurs from MIN-Corps collaborators and partners.  Click on the dates for registration info.

Participants apply the Lean LaunchPad methodology to learn how to translate their science and technology innovations to real-life products and services. Five modules: intro, product-market fit, customer discovery, pathway to commercialization, and market assessment. 

• Science and Engineering VPD - for academics exploring the commercial potential of specific innovations emerging from their research.  Entails outreach for stakeholder interviews. Successful completion can qualify academic teams for the NSF I-Corps Teams program ($50,000 grant). 
• Launch MN VPD Certificate Course - for business people across the State of Minnesota taking the early steps to build fundable, high-growth businesses based on specific innovations. Provides the groundwork for an SBIR or Launch MN grant application, as well as investor due diligence.
• VPD Webinar - for business people and academics seeking an overview of the Lean LaunchPad approach; no specific innovation or homework is required.

This 2-credit course uses the Lean LaunchPad structured process to learn the initial process of customer development by testing market acceptance of a specific new business concept. Students (both undergrad and graduate level) from across the University of Minnesota are welcome to enroll as long as they have a specific idea or technology that they are interested in pursuing. The goal of the curse is to teach the process to quickly and efficiently test the value and market fit for a new concept.  This in-person class meets each fall and spring on Tuesday afternoons at 3:45.