Research, Funding, and Awards

  • 2/16 $2,000 Grant: NSF I-Corps Program

    Accelerate UConn is UConn’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (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 the 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

    • $2,000 to support customer discovery and development of minimum viable product

    The Accelerate UConn program is open to: Students, Faculty, Alumni, Community Members

    Join us for an information session Friday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Applications for the Spring 2024 cohort will close on Monday, Feb. 26, at 11:59 p.m. 
    See more info and apply.

    This program 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 information, contact: Alycia Chrosniak at alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu