Rowan University is proud to be a partner institution of the NSF I-Corps Northeast Region Hub. The Northeast Hub is part of a nationwide NSF-funded network of universities formed to accelerate the economic impact of federally funded research – delivering benefits in health care, the environment, technology and other areas – while building skills and opportunities among researchers from all backgrounds. This partnership opens the door to a variety of programs and opportunities for Rowan innovators.

We are excited to announce that Rowan will host an upcoming Propelus I-Corps Program at the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE), located in Business Hall 209 on Rowan's Glassboro Campus.

About I-Corps

The NSF I-Corps program is a dynamic, experiential training initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. Designed to help teams of innovators, the program guides participants in exploring the commercial potential of their research or innovation. Through the program, teams conduct "customer discovery" interviews with key stakeholders, enabling them to uncover valuable market insights.

About Propelus I-Corps

Propelus is a program designed for research teams to explore how your discovery can help potential customers and meet industry needs as a startup or venture. 

What You Will Learn

The I-Corps Methodology will teach you how to:

• Develop your business model, focusing on Value Propositions and Customer Segments.
• Test your business model hypotheses by engaging directly with potential customers.
• Map the customer job workflow, ecosystem, and customer types.

Benefits of participating in I-Corps

• Gain a deeper understanding of your market and uncover new applications for your innovation.
• Learn how to bring technology to market and overcome commercialization challenges.
• Receive a stipend of up to $1,500 for customer discovery and related expenses.
• Qualify to apply for the National NSF I-Corps program and a $50,000 grant.
• Build connections with the regional innovation ecosystem and foster valuable collaborations.
• Access resources to advance your project.

Application Requirements 

Faculty, staff, students from all Rowan campuses and schools, and Rowan alumni with technology-based innovations are encouraged to apply for this four-session program. Our goal is to support you in transitioning your innovative concepts into the marketplace.

Eligible ideas or projects can originate from:

• Research (funded or unfunded)
• Institutional projects
• Capstone projects
• Other student work

While many projects stem from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), innovations from all disciplines are welcome.

Important Note: Innovators from across the Northeast Region are welcome to join Hub programs. Affiliation with a Hub member university is not required to participate. Programs, whether virtual or in person, are open to the entire Hub community.

Learn More

For more information, email Mike Dominik, Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.