The TTU I-Corps Program is now offering two unique pathways for teams seeking an immersive customer discovery experience. 'Customer Discovery' involves identifying potential customers and understanding how innovation addresses societal problems. Addressing these questions at the outset is essential for launching successful ventures and identifying if there is customer demand.

I-Corps^TM is a National Science Foundation (NSF) supported program designed to foster science and technology entrepreneurship. The NSF I-Corps program cultivates and supports VIPs by teaching program participants how to identify novel commercial applications for an idea or technology. Applicants interested in developing an idea, concept, or technology are encouraged to participate.

I-Corps™ Hub West

The I-Corps^TM Hub West pathway is ideal for diverse faculty research teams committed to learning and meeting the program's expectations. Teams should have the required roles filled: Entrepreneurial Lead (EL), Technical Lead (TL), and Industry Mentor (IM), and possess deep technology expertise. This option is perfect for those aiming to participate in the National I-Corps.

For more details on the West I-Corps Hub program dates and information for ZAP and BOOM programs, click here.

ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM

This 5-week Business Model Canvas workshop is tailored for early-stage teams composed of students, faculty, staff, and West Texas community entrepreneurs who are committed to solving societal problems. ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM provides an extensive training curriculum centered on the development and validation of business models, equipping participants with the tools to refine their ideas into ventures. Ideally suited for those in the ideation or prototype stages, this program facilitates a hands-on approach to evolving your project from concept to market readiness. Offered in the Spring and Fall, ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM is a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship within the regional community.

Program Details

• Sessions: 5 (in-person), each 2-3 hours long
• Modules: Covering Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Cost Structure, Key Activities, Resources, Partnerships, and Team Presentations in every session.
• Interviews: Teams are expected to conduct 35 customer interviews, with an optional session for an additional 15 interviews.

Spring 2024 ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM Program Schedule

• Session 1: Customer Segments and Value Propositions
  Friday, February 2 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Session 2: Channels and Customer Relationships
  Friday, February 9 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Session 3: Revenue Streams and Cost Structure
  Friday, February 16 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Session 4: Key Activities, Resources, and Partnerships
  Friday, February 23 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Session 5: Final Presentations
  Friday, March 1 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Final Check-In Session: Completion of Additional Interviews (Optional)*
  TBD

*Teams complete an additional 15 customer interviews by this date.

Application Process

Eligibility: Applications will be screened for eligibility for ZAP or ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM. For ZAP, teams must meet specific criteria that include defined team roles and a focus on advancing deep technology. For ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM, teams will be evaluated based on their stage of development, and commitment to the customer discovery process.

Post-Eligibility Steps

1. ZAP Program Selection: Teams that meet the criteria for ZAP will receive guidance on preparing for the program with the aim of advancing to the National I-Corps.
2. ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM Program Selection: Teams fitting the ACTIVATE I-Corps^TM profile will be enrolled in the comprehensive training program focused on refining their business model and mastering the customer discovery process process—key elements for early-stage venture development. Successful completion of this program will set the stage for participants to advance into other Innovation Hub programs, such as the iLaunch Competition and the TTU Accelerator Program.

In both pathways, teams will gain access to tailored support and resources to effectively navigate the path from concept to market.

Begin your journey of innovation and commercial discovery by applying to the pathway that best suits your team's goals and composition. Join us in these dynamic programs to transform your innovative ideas into viable commercial ventures and contribute to making the world a better place.

Deep Technology Projects for ZAP:
Technology concepts can originate from faculty research labs, internship experiences, capstone courses, or other science-based practical courses. Concepts should be original and, in an area of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) normally supported by the National Science Foundation but can include other disciplines or inventions from non-traditional pathways.

Entrepreneurial Lead:
The Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) may be a postdoctoral scholar, graduate or other student, staff member, researcher, or other person with relevant knowledge of the technology and a deep commitment to investigate the commercial landscape surrounding the innovation. The Project Lead should also be capable and have the will to support the transition of the technology, should the I-Corps Team's project demonstrate the potential for commercial viability.

Technical Lead:
The Technical Lead (TL) may be a faculty member, senior research scientist, inventor, postdoctoral scholar, or technical/subject matter expert with deep and direct technical expertise in the actual core technology about which the I-Corps team is exploring commercial potential. Typically, the Technical Lead will also serve as the Principal Investigator (PI).