NSF I-Corps Training

1. What is the schedule for Bay Area I-Corps?

Each month, we run a week long course with 3 evening sessions. Typically the course sessions fall on Monday, Wednesday, and Monday evenings from 5-8pm PST.

2. What are the eligibility requirements?

Team Size - Each application is required to have a team of 2-4 members, typically comprised of university faculty, students, researchers, or recent alums. Early stage Northern California startup founder teams are also eligible.

Technology Innovation - NSF I-Corps is designed both for early stage technology based startups in Northern California, and for early stage teams who develop a new fundamental discovery in science or engineering at a university or academic lab. NSF I-Corps is the key first step to translate a new technology into a startup with a viable commercial market and scalable business plan.

Early Stage - If you have a startup idea and the customer discovery process is completely new to you, you’re in the right place. No business experience is required.

3. What else do you look for from applicants?

Commitment - Each team member will actively participate in at least 15 customer feedback interviews over the week, and are required to attend each remote evening course session. To make the most from the immersive program, each team member should expect to invest ~30-40 hours over the week.

Flexibility - The most successful teams have a high tolerance for uncertainty and willingness to succeed or fail together, and openness to learning something new.

4. What is the application process?

There are two steps in the application process. First, submit an online application - this takes ~10 minutes to complete. Second, two weeks before the first day of class, you'll be contacted to schedule a team interview via Zoom with the I-Corps instructor.

5. Is Bay Area NSF I-Corps in-person or remote?

Each course is fully remote, with 3 evening class sessions held on Zoom from 5-8pm PST.

6. Do you require a university affiliation for Bay Area I-Corps?

A university affiliation is not required. If you are an early stage technology based startup in Northern California, we welcome you to apply.

After completion of Bay Area I-Corps, in order to be eligible for the national NSF I-Corps program it is required the technology be developed at a university or academic lab .

7. Is there any cost to participate?

As part of the services provided by SBDC Tech @ Berkeley Haas, there is no cost in any form (or equity given up) to participate in Bay Area NSF I-Corps for university affiliated or Northern California teams. For startups without university origins who are located outside Northern California, there is a $500 participation fee.