Emerging and ongoing opportunities to commercialize inventions and/or launch technology/science-driven ventures. Conferences, competitions, events and seminars for innovators and entrepreneurs. Click on the dates for registration info.
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.
Tailored and targeted lunch-time sessions on science/technology innovation commercialization and entrepreneurhsip for academic departments, student clubs, affinity groups, research centers and professional development programs.
To request a customized program for your group, contact Carla Pavone at [email protected]
The Great Lakes I-Corps Hub Jumpstart Technology Commercialization online workshops help researchers explore the commercial viability of STEM-based innovation ideas. Each course includes 5 biweekly sessions: Course Orientation, Product-Market Fit, Customer Discovery, Market Assessment, Commercialization Pathway. In between the formal course sessions, participants conduct 20-30 customer discovery interviews, complete online learning assignments, apply the tools to their own tech, and receive feedback and coaching from experienced instructors/mentors. Successful completion of a Jumpstart course can qualtify academic teams for nomination to the NSF I-Corps Teams program, which includes a $50,000 grant.
MIN-Corps is proud to work with Launch Minnesota, an initiative of MN-DEED, to help you translate your innovation to a fundable, high-growth business. The content is the same as the Jumpstart courses above, except focussed on Minnesota participants. Five modules: intro, product-market fit, customer discovery, pathway to commercialization, and market assessment.
The certificate course is a rigorous program for academic scientists and technology entrepreneurs exploring the market potential of specific innovations. Successful completion can qualify academic teams for the NSF I-Corps Teams program ($50,000 grant). Nonacademic teams will have done groundwork for an SBIR or Launch MN grant application, as well as investor due diligence.
The webinar covers the same content, but entails no homework and does not require participants to be working on a specific innovation.
University researchers want to bring their breakthrough innovations to market, but lack business expertise. Business-savvy grad students at the Carlson School of Management are seeking meaningful entrepreneurial experiences. Let's combine these talents to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Note: Sci Pitch took place in November, and projects are underway.