UNLEASH INNOVATION

Come on down all you new technology entrepreneurs!!

Researchers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and business are invited this week to the National Science Foundation (“NSF”) Innovation Corps (“I-Corps”) Northeast Hub Annual Meeting.? It’s an in-person event that will take place this Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Friend Center for Engineering Education at Princeton University. The day-long event is free and open to all attendees. The purpose of the event is to promote insight and connections between students, startups and established technology industry players.

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What is I-Corps?

NSF’s national I-Corps program, created in 2011, facilitates experiential learning through customer discovery.? The process enables teams to swiftly evaluate their inventions' market potential. The program extends scientists' and engineers' focus beyond the lab.? It challenges them to enhance the economic and societal impact of NSF-funded research by promoting the lean startup practice of rapid iteration based on customer feedback and market demands.

Regional operational structures known as Hubs bring together higher education institutions in specific geographical regions to provide standardized entrepreneurial training and explore the commercial potential of deep technologies. By capitalizing on strong local industrial and government ties, the Hubs create unique networks of cross-sector partnerships to extend the societal benefits of federal research investments in the region's universities.

The Northeast Hub, supported by a $15 million NSF grant over five years, is a collaborative effort among ten leading educational institutions in the region, with Princeton University as the principal partner. It runs a number of recurring programs, including:

·?????? Novus is an introductory half-day program followed by self-paced coursework, guiding participants in I-Corps methodology. Open to researchers, scientists and engineers, the program also offers a chance to win a $3,000 grant.

·?????? Propelus is a four-week program for university researchers and their teams to translate discoveries into startups or ventures. It focuses on business model development, customer interaction testing and market selection and comes with a $3,000 NSF grant and potential $50,000 grant for the national I-Corps program.

·?????? The I-Corps Fellowship provides a pathway for students, especially those from underrepresented groups, to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities at the Northeast I-Corps Hub. Fellows gain access to broad and hands-on team-based innovation trainings as well as a stipend.

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Northeast I-Corps Hub’s 2023 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will feature a diverse lineup of sessions aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the region’s higher education community. Exciting keynote speakers will share valuable insights and experiences. Poster sessions will spotlight cutting-edge research with high potential for commercialization.

Panel discussions will delve into emerging trends and opportunities across various sectors.? Breakout sessions will offer practical takeaways for all participants. Networking sessions have also been designed to help attendees forge valuable collaborations and partnerships.

??????????? Registration is required and available via the I-Corps website.

As you embark on your journey of innovation and entrepreneurship, remember that legal guidance is a crucial cornerstone of success, whether you need advising on business formation, intellectual property protection or negotiating agreements with investors. The Crowley Law team is poised to provide the legal support and expertise you need. Call us at 844-256-5891 or email us at [email protected] to arrange a complimentary consultation with a team member to assess your situation.