I-CORPS

Mason Entrepreneurship Program

Mason Entrepreneurship Program at the MIX

About the Program

Mason Entrepreneurship Program, known as RampUp, introduces participants to the NSF I-Corps methodology, enabling them to effectively transform research innovations into marketable solutions with societal impact. The program offers participants a working knowledge of how to think about their innovative ideas from a business and customer perspective, as well as how to properly conduct customer discovery interviews, the first step in any commercialization process. By enrolling in this course, participants acquire a valuable skill set and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path they choose. It comprises the following three modules:

  • Module 1: Ideation Workshop – Innovative Idea Generation
  • Module 2: Value Proposition Design
  • Module 3: Introduction to Customer Discovery – Understanding Innovation Ecosystem

Eligibility & Expectations

RampUp is open to university-related faculty, researchers, staff, students, tech entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in exploring the world of innovation and commercialization. 

Benefits of the Program

  • Learn, practice, and hone your innovation skills.
  • Improve the odds for commercial success.
  • Develop best practices for conducting customer discovery and identifying key stakeholders.
  • Understand market trends and needs in your ecosystem.
  • Expand your network of like-minded peers, instructors, investors, customers, and mentors.
  • Eligible to participate in either the Mason I-Corps Regional Program and/or NSF National I-Corps Program (only if you are currently working on an NSF-related research grant).

Apply

The application process begins with an application submission to the program. In the days following an application submission, you will be contacted by a member of the Mason Regional I-Corps Hub team with additional details regarding next steps.