Accelerate UConn is UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Program and 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 four-week program, teams will learn how to determine the market opportunity for their product or technology.
- Training: Educational sessions introducing the lean startup methodology and guiding teams through customer discovery research – customer, problem, solution and value proposition testing.
- Funding: Stipends of up to $1,500 are given to each team upon successful completion of the program and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including solution-testing costs.
- Mentorship and networking: Teams will receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and innovators. Teams may also utilize many other programs offered by the Hub-affiliated institutions.
- Follow-on opportunities: Upon completion, teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program which provides an intensive seven-week training course and a $50,000 grant.
- Enhanced research outcomes: Other benefits include
o Attracting more innovative graduate students to your lab (for faculty).
o Finding a job in industry, networking with peers.
o Finding potential licensees for your technologies.
Upcoming Virtual Info Sessions:
Upcoming Cohorts:
- April 2025 Cohort
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. - June/July 2025 Cohort
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. - October/November Cohort
Application Deadline: October 13, 2025 by 11:59pm
For more information, contact: Alycia Chrosniak at alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu