Idea 2 Impact (I2I), a pilot program designed to encourage and embrace the ideation, innovation and commercialization process at East Carolina University, has received recognition by the National Science Foundation in the award of a $500,000 grant to establish an Innovation Corps (I-Corps) site. I2I is designed to help faculty, students and staff on their journey through the ideation, innovation, assessment and commercialization process. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, our extensive network of resources, personalized training and diverse mentors will guide you in fully exploring the value of your idea. The I2I network is built upon three essential pillars: Inspiration, Influence and Immersion. I2I will support 30 entrepreneurial teams per year and provide seed grants of up to $3,000 per team to help fund customer discovery and prototype development activities.
i-Corps Site Snapshot
The NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Sites program enables academic institutions to catalyze teams whose technology concepts are likely candidates for commercialization. The make-up of teams at the Sites is modeled after the composition of I-Corps Teams, and training at the Sites shares the principles of the I-Corps Curriculum.
I-Corps Sites provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their work into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants.
