About Us
We are a vibrant partnership of nine universities across five states — Arizona, California, Hawai’i, Idaho and Nevada — dedicated to advancing innovative, research-driven deep technology ventures. Together, we’re transforming cutting-edge ideas into impactful products and services.
What We Offer
At the NSF I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region, we focus on six key activities to empower innovation:
Hear from a past I-Corps participant about their transformative training experience.
Program Information
I-Corps Training
Join our regional I-Corps training opportunities offered by the Desert and Pacific Region Hub. The primary regional training is conducted across four synchronous Zoom sessions over four weeks. Some partner universities offer hybrid or in-person training opportunities as well. All programs focus on hypothesis testing and customer discovery. This process will help you gather crucial insights on problem/solution fit and the foundations for product/market fit, maximizing your innovation’s impact.
High-performing teams could also earn a spot in the National I-Corps Teams program, with potential grants of $50,000 to further develop their ventures through deeper customer discovery.
Apply now for the Desert and Pacific Region program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NSF I-Corps™?
NSF I-Corps is an innovative entrepreneurial training program funded and supported by the National Science Foundation. Focused on customer development, it starts with customer discovery to help academic researchers turn their ideas into practical applications.
Through training, mentorship and competitive customer discovery funding, I-Corps supports teams in exploring customer needs, developing business models and commercializing their research. Transform your research into impact with NSF I-Corps.
What is the I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region?
The I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region is one of 13 national hubs funded by the National Science Foundation. We offer regional I-Corps programs, support National I-Corps Teams and foster a nationwide network of innovation.
Our Hub is a carefully curated partnership of nine universities, led by Arizona State University, spanning five states: Arizona, California, Hawai’i, Idaho and Nevada. Join us in driving innovation forward.
What is regional I-Corps training?
Our regional I-Corps training features interactive customer discovery workshops focused on finding the right problem-solution fit, which is key to developing a solid business model.
You’ll also have office hours with instructors and plenty of chances to network and receive feedback. Join us to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
What will I learn in regional I-Corps training?
In regional I-Corps training, you’ll discover how to:
- Define and identify your customer segments
- Articulate a clear value proposition
- Map out the customer workflow, ecosystem and customer types
- Formulate and test key assumptions about problem-solution fit
- Network and set up interviews with target customers and stakeholders
- Conduct effective customer discovery interviews
- Summarize and present key insights from your interviews and tests
Join us to gain valuable skills for your entrepreneurial journey.
How will the regional I-Corps training be delivered?
All primary regional trainings are offered completely online via Zoom. Some partner universities offer hybrid or in-person options, which you can find noted on the apply page. Join us from anywhere.
What is the time commitment for regional I-Corps training?
The primary regional I-Corps training includes four workshops (three hours each). You can expect to commit about 28 hours, or up to 35 hours for a deeper dive into activities. This includes readings, videos, scheduling interviews, attending sessions and office hours, conducting interviews, and preparing weekly reports.
Get ready for an engaging experience.
What are the requirements for regional I-Corps training?
To successfully complete the course, your team needs to meet these requirements:
- At least one team member must attend every session
- All homework assignments must be submitted
- Conduct a minimum of 15 interviews
- Attend at least two office hours sessions.
Get ready to engage and learn together.
Is my idea a good fit for regional I-Corps training?
Absolutely. Regional I-Corps training is perfect for early-stage, innovative ideas when you’re still exploring the market.
It will help you validate your concept through customer discovery and refine your target audience. Let us help turn your idea into reality.
Do I need to be affiliated with a university or one of the hubs to participate in regional I-Corps training?
Anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset and a concept can apply, though depending on availability, teams affiliated with the partner institutions and those working to advance deep technology solutions may be prioritized.
I-Corps training is aimed at academic researchers, scientists and engineers, but is not exclusive to them. Community teams are welcome. Bring your ideas and let’s innovate together.
Do I need to be in a Desert or Pacific Hub state to participate?
You can join us from anywhere in the U.S. While we welcome teams from all over the country, those based in the Desert and Pacific Hub states (Arizona, California, Hawai’i, Idaho and Nevada) may be prioritized depending on availability. We look forward to your participation.
What makes a team?
A typical team consists of three key roles: an entrepreneurial lead, a technical lead and an industry mentor. You can also include a co-entrepreneurial lead or co-technical lead. For regional I-Corps training, teams can have between one and five members. Let’s collaborate and innovate together.
What’s the difference between an entrepreneurial lead, technical lead and industry mentor?
- Entrepreneurial lead: They drive customer discovery efforts and lead weekly report-outs during the program. The team leader must attend every session.
- Technical lead: A team member with deep technical expertise in the core technology. This role is often filled by a faculty member or the inventor of the technology.
- Industry mentor: An experienced entrepreneur who provides insights into the industry and business ecosystem related to the project.
Together, these roles create a strong foundation for your team’s success.
Do I need a full team of all three roles to join regional I-Corps training?
You don’t need a full team with all three roles to participate. One- or two-person teams are more than welcome. Join us to get started on your entrepreneurial journey!
I have a large team — should I include everyone in my application?
Only include team members who will actively participate and attend the training sessions in your application. You don’t need to list additional team members who won’t be directly involved in the I-Corps training. Keep it focused for a smoother process.
I’m an international student — can I participate?
Yes! International students enrolled at partner universities and studying in the U.S. are welcome to join regional I-Corps training. We’d love to have you on board.
Which cohort should I apply for?
Choose the cohort that best matches your project and schedule. Our Hub offers both specialized and general options. Check out the upcoming cohorts on the apply page to find the right fit for you.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No. Training is provided to accepted teams at no cost to participants. Join us and enjoy the experience.
What is the application process?
You can find and apply for upcoming training dates on the apply page. After you submit your application, we’ll review it and reach out with the next steps. We can’t wait to hear from you.
I've been accepted into regional I-Corps training — what’s next?
Congratulations! Be sure to mark all the cohort session dates on your calendar, as attendance is essential. Keep an eye on your email for reading materials and next steps.
In the meantime, start networking and brainstorming potential interviewees for your customer discovery. Get ready for an exciting journey.
Do all team members need to attend every session of regional I-Corps training?
While full team participation helps you get the most out of the program, at least the entrepreneurial lead must attend every session to meet the requirements. We encourage everyone to be involved for the best experience.
Does participating in regional I-Corps training count as public disclosure of my intellectual property?
No, participating in I-Corps training does not count as public disclosure. We actually encourage teams to avoid discussing specific details of their technology.
The focus during customer discovery is on identifying the needs and pain points of stakeholders, which works best without revealing your solutions.
When filling out the application, please keep it high-level — just a brief overview of what makes your technology unique is enough.
Do I-Corps activities require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval?
No, I-Corps activities like customer discovery and market research do not need IRB approval, as they are not classified as research interviews.
National I-Corps Teams Questions
What’s the difference between regional I-Corps training and the National I-Corps Teams program?
Regional I-Corps training focuses on early-stage development and customer discovery, while the National I-Corps Teams program is aimed at scaling and commercialization, with specific eligibility requirements. Learn more about the National I-Corps program description.
Who is eligible to participate in the National I-Corps Teams program?
The National Science Foundation has specific eligibility requirements for the National I-Corps Teams program. Find out if you qualify.
Is my idea a good fit for the National I-Corps Teams program?
Your idea should be university-affiliated intellectual property that is innovative, scalable and fits within the realm of deep tech. Learn more about the selection criteria for the National I-Corps Teams program. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table.
What Is “deep tech”?
“Deep tech” refers to groundbreaking scientific innovations and technologies that tackle complex challenges and have the potential to create transformative impacts. It’s where science meets real-world solutions.
What will I learn in the National I-Corps Teams program?
You’ll learn how to assess commercial opportunities for your innovation through hands-on customer discovery. Explore the National I-Corps curriculum in more detail. Get ready for an exciting learning experience.
How will the National I-Corps Teams program be delivered?
All national cohorts are currently held entirely online via Zoom.
What Is the Time Commitment for the National I-Corps Teams program?
The National I-Corps Teams program requires a seven-week commitment, which includes 11 sessions and conducting 100 customer discovery interviews during that time. Learn more about the participation requirements. We can’t wait to see what you achieve.
What are the requirements for the National I-Corps Teams program?
Teams are required to attend all sessions and conduct at least 100 interviews with potential customers and partners. To find out more about the program requirements, click through to read more about the National I-Corp requirements. We’re excited for you to dive in.
Do I need a full team to join the National I-Corps Teams program?
Yes, you need a complete team to participate in the National I-Corps Teams program. This includes an entrepreneurial lead, a technical lead or principal investigator and an industry mentor. To learn more about the roles needed for your team, read through the role descriptions on the National I-Corp website.
Can I join the National I-Corps Teams program without completing regional training first?
Yes! If you’ve received an NSF award in the last five years, you can participate in the National I-Corps Teams program without going through regional training first. Learn more about eligibility details. We look forward to your participation.
I have an NSF research grant. Can I apply directly to the National I-Corps Teams program?
Yes! If your NSF award is from the last five years, you can apply directly to the National I-Corps Teams program without participating in regional training first. Learn more about which NSF research grants qualify your team to apply directly. We’re excited to support your journey by reviewing your application and team, and preparing you for the process and program.
I completed the regional I-Corps Training. Am I automatically eligible for the National I-Corps Teams program?
Completing regional I-Corps training doesn’t automatically qualify your team for the National I-Corps Teams program. To be considered, your team needs a recommendation from the Hub, unless you’re already eligible as an NSF-awarded team. Learn more about the selection criteria. We’re here to help you navigate the process.
How do I apply for the National I-Corps Teams program?
If you’re eligible or recommended by the Hub, the first step is to submit an executive summary for review. Learn how to start your application for the National I-Corps Teams program here. We’re excited to help you on this journey.
Have more questions about the National I-Corps Teams program?
Check out this link for more information: National I-Corps Teams program. We’re here to help.
Institution and Industry I-Corps Questions
Interested in becoming a regional mentor?
We’d love to have you join us! To be a mentor in the Desert and Pacific Region, you should have significant industry experience as an entrepreneur or corporate innovator, and be comfortable working with early-stage teams.
If this sounds like a great fit for you, please fill out our Mentor Interest Form. We look forward to connecting.
Want to become a regional I-Corps instructor?
We’d love to have you on board. Ideal candidates have an education or entrepreneurial background and are affiliated with one of our partner institutions or have regional affinity.
If you’re passionate about coaching teams through the early stages of lean startups and customer development, we want to hear from you.
To get started, please fill out our Instructor Interest Form. We can’t wait to meet you.
Interested in joining the I-Corps network?
The Hub is here to help your university join the I-Corps network. Reach out to our Hub coordinator, Taylor Silverstein, at [email protected] for personalized support and next steps. We’d love to assist you.
Have more questions?
Join us for an info session to get all your questions answered! You can find and RSVP for upcoming sessions on the events page.
Or, if you prefer, feel free to email Taylor at [email protected] or Rachel at [email protected]. We’re here to help.
Hub Partners
Arizona State University
www.asu.edu
Ji Mi Choi
Director, NSF I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region
University of Arizona
www.arizona.edu
Doug Hockstad
Associate Vice President, TechLaunch Arizona
Northern Arizona University
nau.edu
Cristy Salanga
Patent Manager
University of California San Diego
ucsd.edu
Dennis Abremski
Executive Director, Institute for Global Entrepreneur, Jacobs School of Engineering
San Diego State University
www.sdsu.edu/
Stanley Maloy
Associate Vice President of Research & Innovation, Biology, Graduate & Research Affairs
Laura Buffard
Associate Vice President, Innovation
University of Hawai'i
www.hawaii.edu
Jim Deane
Director, Office of Innovation and Commercialization
Boise State University
www.boisestate.edu
Brett Adkins
Director, Office of Technology Transfer
University of Idaho
www.uidaho.edu
Arch Harner
Assistant Vice President, Research Administration
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
www.unlv.edu
Leith Martin
Executive Director, Troesh Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation