Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Applications Open for Accelerate UConn

    Accelerate UConn is UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program. Its mission is to catalyze the transition of new scientific discoveries and capabilities from the lab to the marketplace. Participating teams will receive an introduction to the most critical elements of the I-Corps Curriculum and Lean Launchpad methodology. Over the course of this 4-week program, teams will learn how to determine the market opportunity for their product or technology. 

    Participants will learn how to: 

    • Develop new ways to communicate the value of your product or technology 

    • Understand the structure of the market you are entering 

    • Develop strategies for generating demand for your product or technology 

    • Identify next steps needed to launch your venture 

    • Identify customers most likely to bring you revenue 

    Teams will receive:  

    • 4 weeks of training on the Business Model Canvas and Customer Discovery Process 

    • Coaching from industry experts and access to next step resources 

    • $1,500 to support customer discovery and development of minimum viable product 

    • Help to identify team members 

      

    Accelerate UConn is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers and faculty members.  

     

    October Quantum Technologies themed cohort:  

    • Applications will close on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.  

     

    November cohort: Applications will close on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.  

     

    Accelerate UConn is coordinated by the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) at UConn. CCEI was founded in 2007, and is a focal point for entrepreneurial activity within the University. CCEI supports student, faculty, staff, and alumni entrepreneurs across all academic departments, schools, and colleges. For more info: ccei.uconn.edu 

    For more information, contact: Alycia Chrosniak at alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu / (860) 728-2101