UC Santa Cruz Opens Applications for NSF I-Corps Short Course This Fall
Local entrepreneurs and researchers can now apply for a hands-on program designed to test whether their tech idea has real market potential.
UC Santa Cruz's Innovation & Business Engagement Hub is now accepting applications for its NSF I-Corps Short Course, a program aimed at helping teams with a technology-based idea figure out if it has real commercial potential.
The course is open to teams of two to four people. Participants will learn how to identify and talk to their top customers, and how to refine their value propositions and product-market fit.
Completing the program can also open doors to future funding. Eligible teams may qualify for $5,000 to $50,000 in customer discovery grants, and participants see a 30% boost in their chances of receiving SBIR/STTR grants, which can provide up to $1.5 million in federal commercialization funding.
Key details:
Application window: August 31 to September 28, 2026
Who can apply: Teams of 2-4 people with a technology-based idea
Session dates: October 19, 22, and 29, from 5:30-8:30pm PDT
Orientation: October 8, 4-5pm
Format: All online
Questions can be directed to Sue Grasso at sgrasso@ucsc.edu.
