Validating Your Life Science Startup Idea with NSF I-Corps
If you have a startup idea and are looking for a proven method to validate it, the NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course is an excellent opportunity. This free, remote, one-week course offers an introduction to the Lean Startup methodology, specifically Steve Blank's Lean LaunchPad approach. The program is designed to help startups identify their top customer segment and value propositions, de-risk their idea, and accelerate their path to product-market fit.
Course Overview
Course Title: Intro to Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Format: Free, remote, one-week course
Dates: September 9, 11, and 16
Time: 5-8 pm PST
Location: Online
Eligibility: Any team (2-4 people) with a life sciences or technology-based startup idea
Application Deadline: August 23
Application: Apply here
Contact: Dave Weiner - wdavid@berkeley.edu
What to Expect
The course consists of three evening sessions focused on teaching participants how to identify their top customer segment and value propositions. The goal is to help startups de-risk their ideas and find product-market fit more efficiently.
Customer Discovery Process: A key component of the course is the customer discovery process, where participants will conduct at least 15 interviews with potential customers. Expect to spend 20-30 hours outside of class on these interviews.
Special Life Sciences Track
In addition to the standard I-Corps course, UC Berkeley is offering a specialized track: I-Corps @ LSEC. This course, in collaboration with the UC Berkeley Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center, is tailored specifically for early-stage life sciences startups.
Benefits of Completing the Course
Eligible teams that complete either course with an instructor's endorsement might qualify for the National NSF I-Corps program, which includes a $50,000 National Science Foundation customer discovery grant. Completing the national program significantly enhances the likelihood of receiving further funding, such as SBIR grants and investments.
Notable Alumni: Some successful alumni of the NSF I-Corps program include Inkspace Imaging, Correlia Biosystems, Intropic Materials, and Amber Bio.
AWS Credits: Through the AWS Activate @ Berkeley program, teams who successfully complete either course are eligible for $5,000 in AWS credits.
Application Process
Apply here by August 23.
You will be contacted 1-2 weeks before the course begins to schedule a team interview with the I-Corps instructor.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the NSF I-Corps Method program or application process, please reach out to Dave Weiner via email at wdavid@berkeley.edu. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
About the NSF I-Corps Program
The NSF I-Corps Program is designed to support the commercialization of science and technology innovations by providing training and resources to help researchers and entrepreneurs better understand their potential customers. By participating in the program, teams can develop a stronger foundation for launching successful products and services that meet real market needs.
For more information on the NSF I-Corps program, visit the official website or contact Dave Weiner directly. Don't miss this opportunity to take your startup idea to the next level!
