The I-Corps curriculum, grounded in Lean Startup principles, is an intensive, hands-on program focused on turning innovations into viable products and services through real-world engagement rather than producing research papers, business plans, or publications. Teams are required to leave their labs or workspaces to conduct at least 20 interviews with potential customers, partners, and competitors, confronting the uncertainty and challenges of commercialization and often being pushed beyond their comfort zones. Success in this program demands full participation from every team member, including thorough preparation, attendance at workshops and Zoom sessions, and, for the Regional I-Corps program, a commitment of 10–15 hours per week, without which the program is not considered a good fit.

‍

To participate in the Life Sciences I-Corps Customer Discovery Workshops, you must complete the short I-Corps Prep by Tuesday, April 1. In addition, this cohort is designed for researchers and innovators developing life science solutions to explore the market opportunities for their work.

‍

Teams will be grouped into four specific tracks in this cohort:

• Digital Health
• Therapeutics
• Medical Devices & Diagnostics
• Biotech

‍

This Hub-wide cohort is hosted by the University of Maryland, College Park and John Hopkins University. Anyone from around the Hub and Hub partners are welcome to apply.

‍

Friday, April 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m. — Class 1 (virtual)

• Introduction to I-Corps
• Team Introductions
• Business Model Generation
• Value Proposition Design
• Best Practices for Customer Discovery

‍

Friday, April 17, 8:30-11:30 a.m. — Class 2 (virtual)

• Team presentations on Lessons Learned from Customer Discovery
• Hypothesis Development
• Customer Interview Workshops

‍

Friday, April 24, 9:30-11:30 a.m. — Life Science Commercialization Networking Event in Baltimore (in person)

Hear from Government and ecosystem leaders about trends in Life Sciences Network with mentors, investors, ecosystem players, and other teams who are all working on life science innovations.

‍

Friday, May 1, 8:30-11:30 a.m. — Class 3: Closing Session, Final Presentations (Virtual)

• Final Team presentations
• What’s Next Discussion

‍

Enroll in I-Corps Prep

‍