TXST I-Corps: Startup Workshops

Drs. Jennifer Irvin and Jana Minifie received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) grant in October 2018. Under this grant, teams of researchers and graduate students with STEM and/or STEM-applicable business concepts undergo a market validation/customer development I-Corps program to increase the success of university-developed IP. This grant ended in March 2023.

TXST sees the value of the product-market fit 3-week program. We are now continuing this program for non-STEM-based startups. We welcome anyone who wants to start a business or grow their business. The I-Corps program is only for those who do NOT have a TXST-owned IP business concept. If you are a current student, faculty member, staff member, community member, and/or alumni and are considering starting a business, come join us for this free 3-week program. Please see the application for dates.

By attending, you will acquire essential skills for achieving product-market fit, such as engaging with potential customers and identifying those with the greatest need. These practical skills will empower you to navigate the challenges of the business world with confidence.

Topics Covered During Program

During the 3-week program, participants will learn about;

• How to ask questions to validate their target market.
• How to find individuals to interview.
• Importance of the Business Model Canvas
• Where to go next with your business. 

Quotes from Previous Attendees

 “I am so grateful for this opportunity. The comments and suggestions we received from the closing session and throughout the cohort are invaluable!” H.H., Fall 2021 Cohort

 When asked about their favorite part of the I-Corps^TM training:

"Different teams share their thoughts of different business ideas, the plan, and the presentation."

"Getting to be around a lot of uplifting and supportive people that have entrepreneurial and business mindsets."

"Feedback from facilitators and faculty."

• "Learning and seeing a model for business development."

What was the most valuable take away from the I-Corps^TM Cohort?

"How and why we need to do the customer interview."

"How to talk to people and approach people, how to talk about something without directly talking about it, and connections/networking."

"Learning how to focus on your target market, pain, purchase, and surveying potential customers."

"The importance of finding what problem you’re solving for customers."

"It's ok to not know."

"The importance of market validation."

"Businesses need to see if their product can solve a problem."