Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program

NSF I-Corps Hub: West Region logo

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-Corpsâ„¢ 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 , where teams can win a $50,000 small business grant.

I-Corps Information Session

Could your research, invention or creative work at CU have real-world impact beyond the university? Drop in on this information session to meet our team and learn more about what I-Corps can do for you.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5 p.m.
  • Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard Baca Education Building, Idea Forge Room MBE 288

Questions?

Emily Vogt

Emily Vogt
Director of Venture Development

Contact 

Program Details

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 . 

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  .

R2M is free for all participants.

The application for R2M is open year-round, and the program is held twice a year.

Upcoming Programs

Spring 2025

Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 6

Pre-Session

Tuesday, May 13, noon-2 p.m.

Day 1 and 2

Tuesday, May 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Webinars

Tuesday, May 27, noon-2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3, noon-2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10, noon-2 p.m.

Final

Friday, June 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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