What is the Site?
The NSF I-Corps Site at The University of Alabama is a formal, active, local innovation ecosystem that contributes to a larger, national network of mentors, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. The UA Site provides infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their work into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Teams applicants.
Working with our regional I-Corps South Node (Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Alabama Birmingham, and University of Tennessee) the UA Site sponsors 30 teams per year in order to increase the chance of success for commercialization efforts of our budding entrepreneurs. The I-Corps South Node also provides regional training for teams from across the southeast. |
Who does the Site support?
The University of Alabama Site supports entrepreneurial teams that include an Entrepreneurial Lead, a Technical Lead and a Mentor.
Faculty with previous National Science Foundation funding are especially encouraged to apply.
Faculty with previous National Science Foundation funding are especially encouraged to apply.
Entrepreneurial Lead
Most likely the entrepreneurial lead is a postdoc, graduate student or advanced undergraduate student that has the desire to start a company based on their research. This person will be the team's spokesperson and will act as the company's CEO.
Technical Lead
The technical lead is typically a faculty or staff member who is full time at the university.
Mentor
The mentor is typically from industry or has a business background and provides candid feedback of the team's business concepts.
What types of projects does the Site support?
The University of Alabama Site supports science, technology, engineering or mathematics projects originating from student work, research, institutional or industrial projects.
What kind of support does the Site provide?
The Site supports activities needed by teams to pursue commercialization of team products, processes, or ideas. This includes Crimson Starup customer discovery training, travel expenses to consult with potential clients or experts, or other resources needed to directly advance the goals of transitioning a team’s project into the marketplace. The University of Alabama Site support does not cover legal or administrative costs.
What kinds of activities are required of teams?
The University of Alabama Site contributes $2,000 to individual teams for the purpose of traveling to consult with potential stakeholders, or for other resources the team needs to advance their idea towards commercialization. Teams are required to:
- Participate in Crimson Startup - a customer discovery program where each team will talk to at least 75+ potential customers, partners, competitors or other stakeholders in order to understand:
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- Develop a viable business model