I-Corps Sites: Accelerate UConn

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

This is a proposal to create an I-Corps Site at the University of Connecticut (UConn). NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Sites are NSF-funded entities established at universities whose purpose is to nurture and support multiple, local teams to transition their technology concepts into the marketplace. Sites provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their work into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants. I-Corps Sites also strengthen innovation locally and regionally and contribute to the National Innovation Network of mentors, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. The University of Connecticut proposes to create Accelerate UConn, an NSF I-Corp Site, to strengthen its existing innovation ecosystem with entrepreneurial education, experiential learning and a business creation process that is based on the I-Corps model. Accelerate UConn (AU) is a joint effort of Technology Acceleration Partners (TAP) ­UConn's technology transfer, incubation and commercialization entity -and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), which is responsible for much of UConn?s internal and external entrepreneurial education activities. As an NSF I-Corps site, AU will expand UConn's community of innovators and entrepreneurs and will aid in the transformation of UConn discoveries into products that benefit humanity and add to economic growth. Broader Impacts: The proposed activity may significantly impact the preparedness of university talent for roles in technology-based, entrepreneurial enterprises and, as such, will be a critical ingredient of the economic success of Connecticut and the nation. Connecticut has historically relied on well-established companies to support its economy, resulting in a dearth of entrepreneurial talent that has lead to a loss of innovative capacity. AU's activities will support the shift from dependence on large corporate employers to an entrepreneurially driven economy. As more startups begin to flourish as a result of AU's efforts, new jobs will be created and the career prospects of graduates will be strengthened. On the national level, there is valid concern that losing our standing as the global leader in technology will result in economic contraction. AU?s activities may counter this trend by teaching university researchers to think beyond traditional academic boundaries, thus enabling this group of individuals to remain in science by becoming drivers of innovation within technology-based, entrepreneurial companies, which they help to create.