The University of Connecticut (UConn) has been selected to participate in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) I-Corps Hub Northeast Region. The I-Corps hub is a prominent collection of leading companies in academia dedicated to developing entrepreneurs focused on transforming scientific and technological discoveries into enterprises that engage with broader society. advantage.
UConn’s Strategic Entry into the NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast Region
February 9, 2024 — This prestigious appointment propels UConn into an elite circle that includes Yale University, Princeton University, and eight other prominent institutions. As part of this collaboration, UConn will expand support for faculty, researchers, and graduate students to help them leverage breakthroughs in technology and science and form successful businesses that positively contribute to society. To do.
John A. Elliott, Dean of the School of Business, hailed the development as an important opportunity to foster the development of entrepreneurship, particularly in fields with immense medical, health and social potential. did.
I-Corps Program and its Impact on Startup Development
The NSF I-Corps initiative is operated by UConn's Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) and provides a comprehensive suite of training, mentoring, and resources customized for startups. The program begins with a four-session course designed to assess the market fit of your innovation. Successful participants will advance to the Advanced His NSF program and be eligible to receive a $50,000 small business grant.
Rodney Priestley, president of Princeton University, emphasized the hub's mission to develop innovators and business leaders, especially those who are underrepresented in the entrepreneurial world.
UConn's role in fostering a national innovation ecosystem
The NSF I-Corps Initiative aims to create a national innovation ecosystem that fosters the application of basic research to develop technologies and products that benefit society. Since 2014, he has been actively participating in NSF initiatives, leading to the creation of Accelerate UConn, which supports entrepreneurs on their journeys.
Over 200 startup teams have graduated from this program. The new hub partnership will allow UConn to leverage its expertise to mentor more innovators in the Northeast region, potentially leading to significant advancements in innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community.
CCEI's Jennifer Mathews and UW faculty member Caroline Deeley both extolled the value of the I-Corps program in fostering new businesses and advancing technology for societal benefit. Northeast His hub also includes Rutgers University, the University of Delaware, and other notable institutions.
As the world grapples with complex challenges, the marriage of scientific discovery, technological innovation and entrepreneurship has never been more important. His UConn participation in the NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast Region marks a major step forward toward developing a generation of entrepreneurs who will wield the power to reshape our future.
