Supporting the journey from bold ideas to market-ready solutions.
The path from research to a finished product is rarely straightforward. That’s why we connect successful startup leaders with STEM student innovators—to help navigate the twists and turns of commercialization.
As a mentor, you’ll guide future founders through critical stages of the startup journey—from securing funding and conducting market research to refining their pitch and preparing for launch. Your experience can make the difference between a promising idea and a successful venture.
Are you an experienced entrepreneur or researcher with a passion for innovation?
TEO mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators by helping them overcome the challenges of commercializing their research. As a mentor, you’ll:
- Empower emerging entrepreneurs by applying your professional expertise to help STEM students secure funding, craft market strategies, and shape their product development journey.
- Shape the future of STEM innovation by exploring and influencing cutting-edge technologies.
- Expand your network by connecting with leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
- Inspire real-world change by helping bring transformative ideas to market.
About the NSF I-Corps™ Mentor Program
The NSF I-Corps™ program equips mentors with tools and training to actively support student teams as they explore commercialization pathways.
Participate in training sessions and mentoring meetings. Use the Socratic method to help teams refine ideas, guide customer interviews, and develop viable strategies.
Share your professional background and insights to build trust, foster collaboration, and empower teams to navigate challenges with confidence.
Communicate regularly via Slack, video calls, and shared documentation to provide timely and actionable feedback, keeping teams on track.
Mentor on your time
Choose the level of involvement in the NSF I-Corps™ mentor program that fits your schedule and experience.
Local Mentors (3-4 hours/week)
Support teams with business insights, customer discovery, and refining value propositions and ecosystem maps.
National Mentors (15 hours/week)
Guide teams through the transition from lab to market. Help them understand industry dynamics, manage confirmation bias, and connect with key stakeholders.
Become a TEO Mentor Today
Contribute directly to the growth of future entrepreneurs and help shape the innovation system at UW-Madison and beyond. Fill out the form below to start your mentorship journey.
Questions? Contact us at teo-director@engr.wisc.edu.