Are you a campus researcher working on a science or engineering innovation? Do you want to explore its commercialization potential? The I-Corps program could help advance your innovation whether you’re faculty, a postdoc, or a student—and provide up to $50,000 in funding. Participating in I-Corps can be influential in your long-term success and it’s one step along the way—like an elective class on your way to a degree.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) created I-Corps (Innovation Corps) to bridge the gap between fundamental research discoveries in science, and the commercialization of technologies, products and processes with the potential to benefit society. This program has been adopted by other federal agencies including NIH, NASA, Department of Defense and Department of Energy to support innovation development.
At D2P, we provide innovation and entrepreneurial training and resources to guide you on your path to achieve your full career potential. Over 85% of past UW–Madison I-Corps teams have participated in one or more of D2P’s training programs, mentoring, and/or grant funding.
Learn more about I-Corps opportunities—schedule a mentor chat with one of our Innovation and Commercialization specialists today!
D2P I-Corps Team Testimonials
NSF I-Corps was one of the best programs I have participated in as a physician scientist and entrepreneur! It created a colossal mind shift for me about how I approach research ideas. D2P was invaluable in our preparation for the national team. We could have not done it without the resources D2P provided—from participating in their Innovation to Market cohort to intelligent mentoring by Abram Becker. As our industrial lead, his mentorship, steady belief in our team, insights and teachings carried us across the finish line. It is of upmost importance to have an industry mentor who connects with the team and has expertise in the field.
Guelay Bilen-Rosas, Co-Founder, AyrFlo, Inc.
I started working with D2P in 2019 when my team was considering applying for a grant called NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI). As a scientist, I didn’t know where to start on the entrepreneurial training section, and I worked with D2P to develop an entrepreneurial training plan, which included participation in Innovation to Market, NSF I-Corps, and regular D2P mentor meetings. Thanks to support from D2P mentors, we got the PFI grant! When we participated in the NSF I-Corps program [D2P mentor Aimee Arnoldussen] agreed to serve as our industry mentor. I truly don’t know where we would have been without Aimee; she is an absolute rockstar. She continues to be a sounding board and I know I can always count on her and D2P for support.
Margaret Lumley, PhD’20, Co-Founder and CEO , Chlobis Water, Inc.
Today my team, Cortico Medical, successfully completed the Great Lakes I-Corps Hub's Medical Jumpstart program! Congrats to my research partners Yang Mo and Saketh Challa, and many thanks to our PI, Joshua Medow for the continued support and guidance. Also, a huge shout out and thank you to our mentor, Aimee Arnoldussen, PhD, and the team at Discovery to Product!
Drew Buddy, Graduate Research Assistant, Cortico Medical
I’m excited to announce I successfully completed the National Science Foundation (NSF) Medical Jumpstart I-Corp program! Thank you to my mentor Aimee Arnoldussen, PhD and the entire team at Discovery to Product at UW-Madison as well as my PI Joshua Roth, PhD for working with me through this process. The connections I made and mentoring I received were invaluable and I look forward to continuing my relationship with this fantastic organization!
Kai Heineman, Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering