I-Corps@Ohio is a statewide program that aims to assist faculty, staff, and students from Ohio universities, colleges, and community colleges in validating the market potential of technologies and launching startup companies. The program is modeled after the National Science Foundation's successful I-Corps program, which has shown to increase innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. I-Corps@Ohio incorporates lean launch, customer discovery, and business model innovation methodologies to assess technologies and enhance the business acumen of research faculty and students.

It offers two cohort tracks in Science & Engineering and Medtech, providing both common and subject matter-specific content. The long-term objective of I-Corps@Ohio is to systematically build a high-quality, high-growth startup pipeline from technology developed at Ohio's colleges, universities, and research institutions, contributing to economic development in Ohio. The program offers funding, training, and mentorship to teams that have protected institutional intellectual property and a commitment to commercial advancement.

Through an intensive 8-week training program, teams develop market-driven value propositions, test hypotheses, conduct customer interviews, and learn from mentors and instructors with relevant expertise. The program aims to advance fundamental research into innovative products and services and foster collaboration between academia and industry. Participating institutions include the University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Lorain County Community College, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Toledo.

Expansion institutions include Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and Wright State University. The program is open to universities, colleges, community colleges, and research institutions in Ohio. Eligible teams consist of faculty researchers and graduate students who will develop market-driven value propositions and scalable business models for their technologies.

With support from business and entrepreneurial mentors, teams can attract angel and venture funding to support company formation and market entry