Background
In January 2016, the National Science Foundation announced that Louisiana State University (LSU) would be one of the newest I-Corps Sites designated to educate faculty, students and the community on entrepreneurial principles. Our goal is to help faculty and students answer important commercialization questions directly applicable to state and federal grant programs, as well as to support in identifying industry partners and potential licensees.
What is the NSF I-Corps Program?
The LSU I-Corps Sites program will support teams through critical market and commercialization evaluations associated with a specific LSU developed idea or technology. LSU runs a variety of different types of programs around I-Corps such as the flagship 6-week training program, 1-week regional programs, and month-long student programs. For each program, teams are formed and typically are comprised of an Academic Lead (typically a faculty member or lead inventor), an Entrepreneurial Lead (often times a student), and a Business Mentor. Faculty from all colleges and department are encouraged to apply for the 6-week program. Students may also apply independently to join teams for the 6-week program or the month-long program.
Applications
A short application is required for each program that will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Team and Commitment
- Intellectual Property Strength
- Technology Strength
- Commercial Potential & Applications
- Fit with I-Corps Sites
Applications will be accepted any time, and will be evaluated by the selection committee for admittance into the appropriate program.
Program Benefits
Program participants are eligible for up to $3,000 in NSF funding, which can be used for:
- Prototyping materials
- Travel to visit potential customers and end users
- Training or education in entrepreneurship
- Any other needed resources
- Budget must be approved by I-Corps Sites Budget Review Committee
Follow-On Resources
The goal of the program is to help LSU faculty, staff, and students commercialize their technologies and ideas. After completion of the program, several follow-on opportunities are available through the following:
- NSF I-Corps Teams program (an intensive 6-week NSF training with $50,000 grant)
- LSU Leveraging Innovation for Technology Transfer (LIFT2) Program (up to a $50,000 prototyping grant)
- LSU Louisiana Business and Technology Center (LBTC) Incubator
- Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO)