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NSF I-Corps Training for Phase I Awardees

Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I awardees can apply for participation in the NSF National Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) Program. See below for more information.

Key Information:

  • All Phase I SBIR and STTR awardees funded under NSF 23-515 and NSF 24-579 solicitations are eligible for this program.
  • NSF 23-515 awardees may allocate up to $20,000 of their Phase I award, and NSF 24-579 awardees may allocate up to $25,000 of their Phase I award for customer discovery tools, salary for time and effort, and travel and conference fees.
  • The program is based on the I-Corps program but has been updated with more extensive and in-depth course material designed for Phase I companies that covers the entire business model canvas and minimum viable product testing.
  • Customer discovery interviews will provide market evidence to strengthen your Phase II proposal.
  • You will connect with potential customers and other important people in your ecosystem.
  • Meetings will be held virtually. No travel for training or in-person interviews required.
  • You will complete a minimum of 100 interviews.

How to Apply:

Apply for the I-Corps program

  • Remember to include your Phase I Award Number.
  • You may be asked to schedule an interview with the I-Corps Program Directors.
  • There will be an onboarding session two to three weeks before the kickoff to help you prepare for the program.


Please view this webinar video that covers information about the NSF I-Corps training.

Upcoming I-Corps Training Dates:

2025 Fall SBIR I-Corps Cohorts:

Summer SBIR/STTR Cohort 3
Onboarding Session: Jun 17 (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Kickoff: Jul 8 - 11 (1:00 – 5:00 pm on Jul 8; 10:00 am - 8:00 pm on Jul 9 - 10; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Jul 11)
Weekly Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
Lessons Learned (online): Aug 20 - 21 (11:45 am – 6:00 pm on Aug 20; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Aug 21)

Fall SBIR cohort 1
Onboarding session (online): Jun 17 Aug. 26 (1 - 3 p.m.)
Kickoff (online): Sept. 16 - 19 (1 - 5 p.m. on Sept. 16; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 - 18; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sept. 19)
Weekly sessions (online): Thursdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 (1 - 4 p.m.)
Lessons learned (online): Nov. 6 - 7 (11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Nov. 6; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 7)

Fall SBIR cohort 2
Onboarding session (online): Sept. 30 (1 - 3 p.m.)
Kickoff (online): Oct 21 - 24 (1 - 5 p.m. on Oct. 21; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Oct. 22 - 23; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct. 24)
Weekly sessions (online): Wednesdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 (1 - 4 p.m.)
Lessons learned (online): Dec. 10 - 11 (11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Dec. 10; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Dec. 11)