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Two USA Researchers Secure I-Corps Grants

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Posted on March 13, 2018

Marketing and Communications

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Dr. K. T. Hsiao, professor of mechanical engineering, and Dr. Michael Chambers, assistant vice president for research innovation, received funding from the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program, which provides researchers with tools and training to develop their entrepreneurial skills and accelerate the economic and societal benefits of basic research projects. 

Hsiao successfully navigated his research team, which focuses on composite materials, through the rigorous seven week national I-Corps Teams curriculum to learn what it takes to achieve commercial impact with their innovation.

Through an I-Corps Sites grant, Chambers was given assistance to lead up to 30 teams a year, comprised of students, faculty and entrepreneurial mentors from USA and partner institutions, through a five-week program focused on developing customer discovery techniques and mastering the Lean Launch and Business Model Canvas curricula. Participants receive $2,500 to facilitate customer discovery activities and receive a certificate of completion. 

Chambers’ spring program is underway.  Summer and fall programs are planned through 2022. Please visit the Innovation Scholars website for further details.

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