University of Illinois I-Corps Sites Program: Enhancing technology commercialization at a world-class research institution

该提案针对NSF？我们呼吁大学培养从事有可能转化为市场的项目的学生和/或教师。I-Corps网站提供基础设施、建议、资源、网络机会、培训和适度的资金，使团体能够将他们的想法、设备、流程或其他智力活动转化为市场或成为I-Corps团队的申请者。伊利诺伊大学厄巴纳-香槟分校（University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign）正在创建一个新的I-Corps网站，该网站将以他们现有的专业知识为基础，同时填补一个在大学研究商业化和转化方面至关重要的空白。这个I-Corps网站将使伊利诺伊州能够扩大其创新服务，更新当前的创业计划，并接触到更多有潜力的和未被充分代表的参与者，以创建一个强大和多样化的创业团队管道，以报名参加NSF I-Corps计划。这些活动的更广泛影响包括参与技术开发和商业化努力的更广泛的学生和教师网络。学生将以创业领袖、贡献者的身份，通过参加有针对性的创业课程，接触到科技创业的努力。通过团队组建、商业指导和财政支持，加强教师创业精神。将特别鼓励代表性不足的群体参加I-Corps网站和技术商业化活动。

This proposal addresses NSF?s call for universities to nurture students and/or faculty who are engaged in projects having the potential to be transitioned into the marketplace. I-Corps Sites provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their ideas, devices, processes or other intellectual activities into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is creating a new I-Corps Site that will build upon their existing expertise, while filling a gap that is critical in the commercialization and translation of university-based research. This I-Corps Site will enable Illinois to broaden its innovation services, update current entrepreneurial programming and reach additional prospective and under-represented participants to create a robust and diversified pipeline of entrepreneurial teams to enroll in the NSF I-Corps program. The Broader Impacts of these activities include a wider network of students and faculty involved with technology development and commercialization efforts. Students will be exposed to technology entrepreneurship efforts as Entrepreneurial Leads, contributors, and by attending targeted entrepreneurship curriculum. Faculty entrepreneurship will be enhanced through team formation, business guidance, and financial support. Under-represented groups will be especially encouraged to participate in I-Corps Site and technology commercialization activities.