I-Corps

 

The I-Corps Program, originally developed and supported by the National Science Foundation, is primarily focused on training participants to conduct Customer Discovery across components of the Business Model Canvas, specifically quantitative hypothesis formation and testing.

The CSUN Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship (C‑STE) is excited to offer the I‑Corps Program this March 2026 — a four‑week, experiential course designed to help student innovators validate ideas, discover real customers, and build evidence‑based entrepreneurial skills. As part of the NSF I-Corps Hub West regional network, this program adapts the proven I-Corps methodology, used nationally to accelerate the transformation of early-stage ventures into market-ready opportunities.

Upon completing this training, participants have effectively de-risked their market assumptions and are equipped with a clear, data-driven strategy for moving forward.

Ready to take your idea further?
📥 Apply Today! 

CSUN C-STE I-CORPS APPLICATION_SP26

Download the I-Corps Spring 2026 Program Flyer

✉️ Questions? Email us at entrepreneurship@csun.edu.

The I‑Corps experience centers on customer discovery — the core process of testing assumptions about your idea by talking with potential users, partners, and stakeholders. Participants will:

  • Engage in structured training grounded in lean startup and evidence‑based entrepreneurship principles.

  • Develop and refine business hypotheses, value propositions, and stakeholder maps.

  • Conduct field interviews with real customers to validate or pivot their venture concept.

  • Prepare and deliver a final presentation that summarizes key learnings and next steps.

  • Connect with CSUN’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem for post‑program support.

The curriculum combines interactive online content with two in‑person sessions (Kickoff & Zap Culmination), ensuring flexibility while preserving hands‑on engagement.

  • Week 1: In‑person Kickoff (2 hours)

  • Week 2: Online Content (3 hours)

  • Week 3: Online Content (3 hours)

  • Week 4: In‑person Zap Culmination (2 hours) — final presentations, planning for next steps, and pathways to funding & ecosystem entry.

The program is open to current CSUN undergraduate/graduate students and recent CSUN graduates across all majors who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you have a nascent idea or an early‑stage concept, I‑Corps will give you tools to systematically vet your venture’s potential. 

  • Learn industry‑proven customer discovery skills and entrepreneurial best practices.

  • Gain real‑world feedback that can shape your business strategy.

  • Become better prepared to compete for venture funding, including eligibility to apply for the Bill Imada Leadership Fund upon successful completion.

  • Expand your network with mentors, peers, and innovation partners.