Fall 2017 Innovation Commercialization Seminars

 MIN-Corps provides commercialization education and coaching to innovators from across the University of Minnesota, as well as the Twin Cities. These programs range from short seminars to full-semester courses to accomodate the varied interests and schedules of the participants.  They are available at no cost to UMN students, staff and faculty, and for a fee to participants not affiliated with the University.

Lean LaunchPad 101

An introduction to the Lean LaunchPad methodology that was developed at Stanford University to translate university innovations into successful licenses and ventures, and has been adopted as “I-Corps” by NSF, NIH, DOD, DOE and other federal grant-making agencies.  We will also preview the Fall 2016 MIN-Corps programs and discuss University of Minnesota commercialization resources. 

·        Lean Launchpad 101 (East Bank Campus) - Aug 29 4:30-6:00pm Register here.

·        Lean Launchpad 101 (St Paul Campus) - Aug 31 11:30am-1:00pm Register here.

Innovation Commercialization Bootcamps

A day-long introduction to commercialization considerations and processes, including value proposition design, customer discovery & intellectual property. (Note: the Medical bootcamp will also include an introduction to MN-REACH research commercialization grants.)

·        Medical – Aug 30 10am- 4pm (East Bank Campus) Register here.

·        Science & Engineering – Sep 21 30 10am-4pm (East Bank Campus) Register here. 

MGMT 5102 – STARTUP: Customer Development & Testing

A full-semester course (can be audited at no cost by UMN grad students, staff and faculty) that applies Lean LaunchPad methods to determine the commercial potential of each participant’s innovation, and make initial market connections.  Participants work intensively with faculty advisors & industry mentors.  Course includes $3,000 minigrants for customer research and prototyping that enables customer discovery.  Successful completion can lead to recommendation to the NSF National I-Corps Teams program, which includes a $50,000 grant for program participation and customer research. 

·        Sept 5 and following Tuesdays 3:45-5:25pm (West Bank Campus) Apply here.

Value Proposition Design Workshops

Four hands-on sessions cover the following:  product-market fit, customer discovery, pathway to commercialization, market assessment. Course includes $3,000 team minigrants for qualifying projects.  Successful completion can lead to recommendation to the NSF National I-Corps Teams program.

·        Medical - Sept 13, 20, 27 & Oct 4 1-4pm Register here.

·        Science & Engineering – Oct 5, 19, Nov 2, 16 1-4 pm Register here.

Please see the MIN-Corps website for information on additional programs, including:

·        Strategy Clinics - Emerging Opportunities Forums - OTC Venture Center Seminars