Join our NSF I-Corps™ mentorship program to guide emerging entrepreneurs in commercializing groundbreaking ideas. As a mentor, you’ll shape the future of innovation, expand your network, and support the next generation of innovators. With flexible time commitments, you can share your expertise, inspire change, and help bring visionary technologies to market. Make a lasting impact on technology and entrepreneurship today.
Are you an experienced entrepreneur or researcher with a passion for innovation?
Our NSF I-Corps mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators by guiding them through the challenges of commercializing their research.
As a mentor, you’ll:
- Lead emerging entrepreneurs by leveraging your knowledge of the I-Corps curriculum and encouraging active team participation.
- Shape the future of technology by influencing cutting-edge projects.
- Grow your network by connecting with top researchers and industry leaders.
- Inspire change by helping bring transformative ideas to market.
What to expect from the mentorship role
Through training sessions and mentoring meetings, the NSF I-Corps program equips mentors with tools to actively engage teams. Using the Socratic method, mentors help refine ideas, guide interviews, and foster the development of viable strategies.
By sharing professional backgrounds, diverse experiences, and valuable insights, mentors foster trust, collaboration, and innovation within teams, empowering them to navigate challenges and seize market opportunities with confidence.
Through regular communication via Slack, video calls, and diligent documentation of actionable feedback, mentors ensure that teams stay on track, provide constructive feedback, and make the most of their NSF I-Corps experience.
Mentoring on your time
Our NSF I-Corps mentorship program provides two options depending on your experience level and time available to commit:
Local Mentors (3-4 hours per week)
Provide valuable business insights, assist with customer discovery, and help refine value propositions and ecosystem maps. They support teams in applying course lessons and overcoming challenges.
National Mentors (15+ hours per week)
Guide teams as they change focus from lab to commercialization. Help them understand the industry landscape, manage confirmation bias during customer discovery, and connect with key stakeholders.
Become an NSF I-Corps mentor today!
Contribute directly to the growth of future entrepreneurs and help shape the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Fill out the form below to start the application process.