The NSUIC is happy to partner with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in offering workshops to NSU students and faculty. ICAP helps inventors and entrepreneurs take the right first steps in bringing new technologies and innovations to market.

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ICAP includes FREE introductory training programs and counseling services offered through ICAP instructors and local SBDC counselors. ICAP helps startups identify potential customers and develop successful business models based on that knowledge. It is an ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment.

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The cohort will give preference to startups focused on the following sectors/solutions, but all companies are encouraged to apply:

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Cybersecurity | Software | Telecommunications | Information & Communication Technologies | E-Commerce | Networking & Equipment | Electronics/Instrumentation | Sensors | Materials | Drones | IoT

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Important Dates

• January 18, 2021 – Applications are due by 11:59pm

• January 20, 2021 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Introductory Webinar

• January 27, 2021 – Acceptance notifications and communication with next steps

• February 1, 2021 – 9:00am – 12:00pm – Customer Segments and Initial Team Presentations

• February 2, 2021 – 9:00am – 12:00pm – Value Proposition

• February 3, 2021 – 9:00pm – 12:00pm – Customer Discovery

• February 10, 2021 – 9:00pm – 12:00pm –Each team reviews their Customer Discovery Progress over the first week

• February 17, 2021 – 9:00pm – 12:00pm – Final Team Presentations

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During this introductory program, there is extensive work done outside the virtual classroom. In addition to the virtual class meetings, participants should expect to spend another 10-15 hours per week on customer discovery and course assignments. At the conclusion of the program, you will remain connected with your ICAP adjunct to continue your progress on the Five Steps to Startup Success over the following 6 to 24 months.

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The introductory program is designed to generate a maximum impact over a relatively short duration and should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. Some graduates of this cohort may be eligible to apply to NSF’s Seven-week National I-Corps Program, which includes non-dilutive grants for customer discovery and prototype development. Additionally, this program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technologies.

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