Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program
This four-week program helps teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation.
This four-week program helps teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation. Derived from the National Science Foundation's I-Corps™ program, R2M leverages the nationally recognized Lean LaunchPad and Business Model Canvas methodologies specifically designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem solvers commercializing their innovations.
The Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program is offered by Venture Partners at CU Boulder, part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Hub: West Region.
Those interested in R2M should begin with our Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop. After completing both programs, teams are primed to pursue the National I-Corps Teams Program, where teams can win a $50,000 small business grant.
Program Details
The R2M microgrant offers up to $1,000 to successful applicant teams from NSF I-Corps Hub: West Region universities commercializing university Intellectual Property (IP) and specialized training for customer discovery and technology investigation. Instructors deliver educational sessions from I-Corps Hub West institutions as part of the comprehensive R2M program.
⚠ Deadline to apply is Wednesday, Aug. 27
Components
- Teams are matched with an Industry Mentor to work with them throughout the program
- Virtual workshops focused on customer discovery and finding a market for technologies
- Team presentations and instructor office hours
- 25 interviews done virtually in a target industry
- Meeting and building connections with industry experts and mentors
Benefits
"It drove me out of my comfort zone of hard technology research and made me think more about the business side of the puzzle."
"This type of program seems almost like a necessity when trying to develop something from within the University. It provided a lot of information."
Application and Eligibility
Those interested in R2M should begin with our Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop. After completing both programs, teams are primed to pursue the National I-Corps Teams Program.
Our I-Corps programming is available to all researchers, inventors and problem solvers from any research or community institution; all you need is an idea 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.
Participants can apply to and join R2M as individuals. However, teams are strongly encouraged, and only teams of three or more can advance to the National I-Corps Teams Program.
R2M is free for all participants.
The application for R2M is open year-round, and the program is held twice a year.
Upcoming Programs
Fall 2025
Application Deadline: Wednesday, Aug. 27
Pre-Session
Wednesday, Sept. 3, noon-2 p.m.
Day 1 and 2
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Webinars
Monday, Sept. 22, noon-2 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 29, noon-2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6, noon-2 p.m.
Final
Friday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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.