= Distinct Differences From Other Offerings =
The NSF I-Corps program is unique in the following ways:
#Entrepreneurial goal: aimed to commercialize a NSF funded research technology
#NSF I-Corps Team maximum funding is $50,000 for 6 months (research lab on campus can apply for this)
#NSF I-Corps Nodes and Sites funding is up to $1.5 million (academic institutions can apply as a Node or Site)
#Feeds into successfully applying for an SBIR/STTR
#Fosters entrepreneurship with additional resources to participants (i.e. workshops, business mentors, etc.). NSF I-Corps Team participants are provided the Lean LaunchPad class taught by Steve Blank.
#Promotes an innovation ecosystem for both students and academic institutions
= Impact Achieved For Students and Campus =