The NSF I-Corps™ Great Lakes Hub has circulated a new solicitation for National Teams that introduces several notable changes to program structure, funding, and participation rules. These updates affect timelines, team capacity, travel, and prototyping policies.
What changed
- Longer period of performance: The program period increases to 12 months from the previous 6 months, giving teams more runway for planning and execution.
- Mentor support: The solicitation allows $3,000 to support an Industry Mentor (IM) role, signaling a stronger emphasis on industry guidance.
- Registration administration: Allows a registration fee for administration (VentureWell).
- More teams: The total number of teams accepted rises from 200 to 240, expanding access and competition.
- Travel and prototyping restrictions: International travel is prohibited, and prototyping is no longer allowed, shifting the program toward local, design-focused, or virtual deliverables.
These changes collectively move the program toward longer, more mentor-supported, and more widely accessible participation while tightening safety, travel, and prototyping constraints. Teams should review the updated solicitation carefully and adjust proposals, budgets, and timelines accordingly.
Contact TEO Director Bonnie Bachman with any questions regarding these changes.