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The University of Montana is now accepting applications for our next Regional I-Corps Cohort, running September 1 through September 30, 2026.

September 1 @ 8:00 am - September 30 @ 5:00 pm

The University of Montana is now accepting applications for our next Regional I-Corps Cohort, running September 1 through September 30, 2026.

If you are a researcher, faculty member, student, entrepreneur, startup founder, or innovator trying to understand whether your idea has real market potential, this program is designed to help you figure that out.

Over five weeks, participants use a proven customer discovery process to test assumptions, better understand customer needs, refine their value proposition, and explore possible commercialization pathways. The experience can also strengthen future SBIR/STTR and other grant proposals by providing real-world market validation and evidence of stakeholder engagement.

If you are working on a technology, research discovery, or startup idea, we would love to connect with you. And if someone in your network should see this, please share it with them.

The Regional I-Corps training at University of Montana spans five weeks, offering a blended approach to assess the market potential of your technology. This program welcomes both researchers and entrepreneurs, the curriculum explores the commercial potential of deep technology solutions across any industry sector. It prepares researchers to extend their focus beyond the lab and consider the economic and societal impact of their work.

Participants in an I-Corps team should allocate roughly 8-10 hours weekly throughout the duration of the five-week program. Each team should include, at the very least, an entrepreneurial lead (EL) and a technical lead (TL).

Session Dates:

  • Orientation: Wed, September 2 – 4:00–5:30 PM MST
  • Session 1: Mon, September 7 – 4:00–7:00 PM MST
  • Session 2: Wed, September 9 – 4:00–7:00 PM MST
  • Session 3 : Wed, September 16 – 4:00–7:00 PM MSTSession 4: Wed, September 23 – 4:00–7:00 PM MSTSession 5 : Wed, September 30 – (Finale), 4:00–7:00 PM MST
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 16
The University of Montana (UM) Regional I-Corps program is a free innovation bootcamp that teaches researchers and entrepreneurs how to transition technology from the lab to the market. The 3-to-5-week courses focus heavily on customer discovery, the business model canvas, and identifying product-market fit. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The University of Montana is a key partner in the NSF-funded Great Plains I-Corps Hub, which spans eight states across the Midwest and Mountain West. Completing a Regional I-Corps cohort is a mandatory prerequisite for qualifying for the prestigious National NSF I-Corps Teams program. [1, 2, 3]
Core Program Details
  • Time Commitment: Participants should expect to dedicate roughly 8-10 hours weekly.
  • Team Structure: Teams must consist of at least an Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) and a Technical Lead (TL).
  • Cost: The innovation bootcamp and customer discovery training are completely free.
  • Benefits: Qualifying program participants are often eligible for travel awards (e.g., $1,500 for certain cohorts) and direct access to trained industry mentors. [1, 2, 3]
    Upcoming Cohort Dates & Registration
    Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently accepting participants.
    • Dates: September 1 through September 30.
    • Format: Taught virtually, making it highly accessible without the need for travel.

    Details

    • Start: September 1 @ 8:00 am
    • End: September 30 @ 5:00 pm

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