I-Corps is a program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) that equips researchers and entrepreneurs with the tools to validate the value proposition of their ideas from the perspective of potential customers. The workshop is a hands-on introduction to the process of Customer Discovery designed to give the entrepreneur insight into how future customers will respond to products that are developed by the new venture. The workshop series runs over four weeks during which are 3 workshops along with 20 customer interviews.

 

I-Corps South Regional Cohort Schedule

March 28  Kick-off, Customer Discovery, Business Thesis, Interview Techniques

March 29 – April 12 Customer Interviews, 30 min office hour call

April 13  Workshop #2 – Business Models – ONLINE ONLY

April 14 – April 19 Customer Interviews, 30 min office hour call

April 20  Workshop #3 – Lessons Learned, What’s Next

 

Benefits and Outcomes

  • A new perspective into how buying decisions are made by prospective customers
  • Hands-on learning in how to conduct a fruitful customer interview
  • Access to expertise from University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, I-Corps South and Ga Tech Venture Lab
  • Recommendation for application to I-Corps National Cohort: $50,000 grant for 100 customer interviews
  • Substantially increased potential for SBIR Grant awards

 

More Information:  https://haslam.utk.edu/icorps

To Apply:   Email:  scarson2@utk.edu

Contact:  Shawn Carson

I-Corps Program Director

scarson2@utk.edu

865-773-8974