The multi-institutional Great Plains I-Corps Hub is set to launch its first five-week cohort. NDSU serves as the lead institution for the Great Plains Hub after recently being awarded $14 million NSF grant. The program aims to provide immersive, entrepreneurial training to researchers and engineers with the goal of moving innovative ideas to commercialization.

Following a lean launch pad approach to customer discovery, the cohort will connect researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs of the Great Plains to the national tech ecosystem. This training will enable participants to identify valuable business opportunities and explore ways to bring their research ideas to the marketplace.

"The Great Plains I-Corps Hub is thrilled to launch our first cohort and to provide valuable entrepreneurial training in our region,” said David Grewell, NDSU professor and chair of industrial and manufacturing engineering and Great Plains I-Corps Hub director. "Our goal is to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to get their ideas closer to commercialization through customer discovery. We want to help participants make an impact in their respective fields."

The first cohort will consist of 10 teams that will work to identify market opportunities, develop a value proposition and learn about customer discovery. Joining a cohort offers a great opportunity for scientists and engineers to gain valuable experience, network with industry experts and explore the viability of their invention. NDSU has three teams participating in the inaugural cohort.

There are three more cohorts this year, with the summer cohort beginning on May 22nd. Applications are open to researchers and engineers who have an innovative idea that has the potential for commercialization.

Visit the Great Plains I-Corps Hub website for more information and to apply for the program.