NSF I-Corps: Therapeutics Customer Discovery Program
Do you have a therapeutic innovation that could improve lives? This program is a focused, five-week entrepreneurial training program designed to help academic researchers and early-stage biotech innovators explore the commercial potential of therapeutic technologies.
Drawing on the proven NSF I-Corps methodology, this program introduces customer discovery methodologies to understand paths to market for life sciences innovations. In addition, the program provides specialized guidance tailored to the complexities of the therapeutics ecosystem, from translational science to regulatory and reimbursement pathways.
Through a combination of virtual workshops, expert-led webinars, and targeted customer discovery interviews, participating teams will gain a deep understanding of how to define and test value propositions, map key stakeholders, and refine their business models based on real-world insights.
Ready to go further? This therapeutics I-Corps program sets teams up to apply for the NSF National I-Corps Teams Program, where teams can win a $50,000 small business grant to further their customer discovery work.
Workshop Details
Program Format and Timeline
Pre-Program Assignment
Watch the GENESIS introductory video (~30 min) to build foundational knowledge of the Business Model Canvas and customer discovery principles.
Session 1—Ecosystem & Stakeholders + Customer Discovery Best Practices
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.–noon MST
Dive into the therapeutic value chain and stakeholder map. Teams will begin forming hypotheses about customer needs, jobs-to-be-done, and product outcomes based on their Target Product Profiles .
Webinar 1 – Regulatory Pathways in the US Market
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10–10:30 a.m. MST
Understand the regulatory landscape and implications for early-stage therapeutic development.
Session 2 – Value Creation in the Therapeutics Industry
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.–noon MST
Explore the concept of value creation in therapeutics. Teams will present updated maps and Target Product Profiles, define what differentiated value looks like in their segment, and identify where it must be delivered.
Webinar 2 – Reimbursement and the Role of Insurance in the US Market
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10–10:30 a.m. MST
Learn how reimbursement, payer dynamics, and insurance models shape therapeutic adoption and pricing strategies.
Session 3—Applying the BMC to Therapeutics
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.–noon MST
Teams will integrate learnings into a therapeutics-specific Business Model Canvas, using insights from their Target Product Profiles and customer discovery to assess key assumptions and market fit.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the unique dynamics of the therapeutics ecosystem, including stakeholder roles, value chains, and Target Product Profiles (TPPs)
- Apply customer discovery best practices to identify real needs and refine problem-solution fit
- Explore regulatory and reimbursement frameworks critical to therapeutic development and commercialization
- Utilize the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to assess market opportunities and shape go-to-market strategies
Outcomes
By the end of the program, teams will have a deeper understanding of the therapeutic market landscape, clear hypotheses to test with stakeholders, and a refined business model to guide further development and investment decisions.
Eligibility
Our I-Corps programming is available to all researchers, inventors and problem solvers from any research or community institution; all you need is an innovation and an interest in bringing it to those in need. Our programming serves a diverse range of people and ventures, so please contact us if you have questions about your eligibility.
This program is ideal for academic researchers, university-affiliated startups, and early-stage entrepreneurs developing therapeutic innovations who are seeking to validate the commercial potential of their work and prepare for SBIR/STTR funding, partnerships or licensing opportunities.
Participants can apply to and join this I-Corps workshop as individuals. However, teams are strongly encouraged, and only teams of three or more can advance to the National I-Corps Teams Program.
Venture Partners I-Corps Team
Venture Partners has an experienced team of professionals dedicated to developing CU Boulder innovators and startups—no matter what stage of the entrepreneurial journey they're in.
Would you like Venture Partners to meet with or give a presentation to your organization or department? Please contact Emily Voigt.