INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, IMPACT!
TRANSLATING RESEARCH INNOVATIONS FROM THE LAB TO REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
Welcome to the exciting world of the Mason I-Corps Program. In 2023, George Mason University became part of the NSF’s new Mid-South Region Hub. The Mason NSF I-Corps Program is a thrilling journey where innovation and transformative ideas lead to commercialization and societal impact.
Imagine a place where ideas come to life, minds collide and collaborate, and innovation is nurtured. That place is the Mason I-Corps Program. Here, you will be surrounded and supported by an active ecosystem of experienced I-Corps Instructors, Technology Transfer experts, industry experts, and fellow trailblazers, all united by the common goal: to transform cutting-edge research and innovation for societal impact. Our program offers a unique blend of hands-on training, mentorship, and funding opportunities. So, join us at Mason I-Corps and unleash your real-world impact. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation, revolutionize industries, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program – I-Corps
Established in 2011, the I-Corps program is designed to support the commercialization of deep technologies, which grow from discoveries in fundamental science and engineering. Since its inception, more than 1,900 NSF I-Corps teams have participated in the program. This year’s five newly funded I-Corps Hubs will join the five hubs funded last year to serve national needs through the following areas of responsibility:
- Create and implement tools, resources, and training activities that enhance the nation’s innovation capacity.
- Identify, develop, and support promising research that can generate economic value
- Gather, analyze, evaluate, and utilize the data and insights resulting from the experiences of those participating in local, regional, and national I-Corps programs
- Provide opportunities to diverse communities of innovators
- Share and leverage effective innovation practices on a national scale to improve the quality of life throughout the nation
The Mid-South Region Hub and Partners
The Mason NSF I-Corps is part of the Mid-South Region Hub, with an intentional emphasis on inclusive innovation and with the goal of accelerating the translation of groundbreaking STEM-related university research outcomes into real-world impact. The Hub will accelerate the translation of groundbreaking university research outcomes into commercialized ventures that seed emergent, prosperous innovation ecosystems across the Midsouth. The Hub, which spans four states, is led by Vanderbilt University, and includes, the George Mason University, the University of Virginia, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical College, Jackson State University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Louisville.
