Novus I-Corps @ Rutgers-Newark

Intro NSF I-Corps training, workshop, & networking event to shift the focus from science / technology to the people it benefits and more!
About this Event

Note: A Networking Lunch during Registration will be provided, so kindly RSVP by Wednesday, Sept 23, 2026.

Learn about the impact your research or innovation could have in solving real-world problems by attending our Novus I-Corps Program at Rutgers-Newark, an introduction to I-Corps, co-sponsored by , , and .

The introductory Novus I-Corps Program at Rutgers-Newark provides an opportunity for individuals and teams with innovations to:

• Shift the mindset from science and technology to the people it could benefit
• Understand how Customer Discovery drives innovation (and gets you out of the building!)
• Meet local I-Corps Program Leaders and Tech Transfer Officers to guide your journey
• Learn tips for success from an I-Corps Alumni Panel sharing their experience
• Network with innovation-minded individuals to help form teams or guide your next steps

Who Should Attend: (Individuals and teams from any Rutgers University campus are invited, including innovators in the Northern New Jersey area)

• Rutgers University faculty, postdoctoral researchers & staff, graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni who are developing a scientific or technical discovery.
• Individuals, including students, community members, local entrepreneurs and startup founders from the Newark area, who want to learn about innovation at Rutgers and potentially be matched to a team.
• Student Organization / Program Leaders who want to learn more about how I-Corps can benefit their members
• Rutgers alumni, Mentors, or Experts who want to contribute to success of Rutgers innovation teams and emerging Rutgers startups

Benefits:

• TRAINING: Training introducing the I-Corps Lean LaunchPad approach to evaluating technologies through customer-research, focused on identifying the technology’s potential for development in a startup or other venture.
• NETWORKING: Build relationships with local I-Corps program leaders to get guidance and support. Individuals can form teams to be eligible to apply for the Regional I-Corps program.
• PREPARATION: Attendees will be prepared to begin a journey of Customer Discovery with their own team or with a team they newly created.
• FOLLOW-ON OPPORTUNITIES: Attendees can be poised to succeed in a future 4-week Regional I-Corps Program gaining access to a $1,500 NSF mini-grant to do Customer Discovery.
• Novus attendees can potentially be fast-tracked for participation in the upcoming 5-week Rutgers Propelus I-Corps Program, Oct-Nov 2026 cohort.