Northeast I-Corps Hub Team Application

NSF I-Corps Hub: Northeast Region
Program Application

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


You will learn the I-Corps Methodology, which includes:

  • Developing your Business Model – specifically Value Propositions and Customer Segments.
  • Testing your business model hypotheses by talking to potential customers.
  • Identifying which market or industry is the best first one to enter.

Participants receive a $3,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and have the opportunity to advance to the National I-Corps program where they may receive a $50,000 NSF grant.


Team Information
Explanation of Roles
Teams consist of at least an Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) and a Technical Lead (TL):

Entrepreneurial Lead
  • The entrepreneurial lead may be a graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, undergraduate student or staff member with relevant knowledge of the technology or market and a commitment to investigate the potential opportunity for commercialization.
  • The role of the entrepreneurial lead is to drive the customer discovery process and support the transition of the technology into the marketplace if it demonstrates commercial viability.

Technical Lead
  • The technical lead will often have been involved in creating the technology that forms the basis of the team’s business concept or possesses a high level of relevant technical expertise. The role of the technical lead is overall project management. The technical lead is often a faculty member and, if a company is formed, plays a key leadership role such as a scientific advisor or chief technical officer.

Industry Mentor
  • The industry mentor will typically be an experienced entrepreneur, intrapreneur or corporate innovator who serves as a third-party resource.
  • The role of the mentor is to guide the team forward and track progress.
  • Teams do not have to identify an industry mentor prior to application, but are encouraged to do so. 
Co-ELs, co-TLs, and co-IMs are allowable, as long as all are active I-Corps team members.
Applicant Information
Applicant Information
Applicant Information
Applicant Information
Applicant Information
Team History
How did you hear about the I-Corps Hub Northeast
Regional program (please specify in the text box)? 
Technology/Innovation Origin and Source
Please include any relevant research awards or funding
related to the development of this technology:
Intellectual Property (IP) status

Intellectual Property (IP) status

Please answer the questions below. 
Note: For information about invention disclosures, please speak with your university Tech Transfer Office or email us at info@icorpsne.org.
Please answer the questions below. 


Note: Each Team Member listed on the application will be sent a Personal Demographics & Commitment Survey to confirm their individual participation if accepted into the program.

Disclaimer: By submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing-related electronic communication from the Northeast I-Corps Hub, including news, events, updates, and promotional emails. 


Contact Information