StartUp: Customer Development and Testing
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 course 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.
Value Proposition Design
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 - a compressed, localized version of the regional Jumpstart course. 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).
- MN DEED Sponsored 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.
- MN DEED Sponsored VPD Webinar - for business people and academics seeking an overview of the Lean LaunchPad approach; no specific innovation or homework is required.
MVP Challenge 2026
An MVP or “Minimum Viable Product” is a tool to show customers and key stakeholders how your innovative idea could work, capture feedback, and bring your concept one step closer to reality. Each year, the MVP Challenge awards up to 25 grants from $100 to $3,000 in three divisions: Social, Physical, and Digital. This program is available to University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff.
Applications due October 17, 2025.
Founders Day presentations are on May 13, 2026.
Visit MVP Challenge 2026 for more information!
Intro to Research Commercialization
Has your research produced a new idea or advancement in the field? Not sure what to do now?
Intro to Research Commercialization interactive session will introduce you to various resources across the UMN campus, including the work of MIN-Corps and Tech Comm.
We will briefly introduce the Lean Launchpad methodology, developed at Stanford University to translate university innovations into successful licensed products and business ventures. We will also discuss the various tools and resources across campus to help innovators.
For more information, visit LNS X001 - Intro to Research Commercialization
Innovation to Impact Summer Fellowship
The Innovation to Impact Summer Fellowship Program immerses undergraduate students in the dynamic world of startups. Over the course of 8 weeks, student teams will be matched with startups, providing hands-on experience in the innovation process. Participants will work closely with startup founders and teams, contributing to real projects and gaining insights into product development, market research, and business strategy. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative projects, students will develop critical skills in creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for potential future careers in the innovation ecosystem.
Pathways: Undergraduate-to-Graduate
Undergraduate‑to‑graduate pathways connect your bachelor’s degree to a Carlson graduate program. Choose early admission or credit waivers to save time, reduce credits (and tuition), and lock in your next step. Some pathways start during your undergraduate years; others can be used up to three years after graduation.