I-Corps Mentors

UCF I-Corps program works primarily with teams formed around researchers or graduate students with inventions from within UCF and our university affiliates. The majority of the participants on the I-Corps teams are researchers or graduate students who have in-depth knowledge of a technology, but have limited if any entrepreneur or business expertise . Through the I-Corps program and with the assistance of mentors, the teams will determine if they have scalable and innovative opportunities.

In addition, through the Community Affiliate Program the UCF I-Corps program is delivered by accelerators and entrepreneur support organizations to existing teams with startup ideas across Central Florida. The majority of the participants on the I-Corps teams in the Community Affiliate Program are first-time entrepreneurs who have already formed their new venture around high-growth “gazelle” market opportunities.

UCF I-Corps Mentors are a diverse pool of professionals ranging from corporate executives, industry experts, and serial entrepreneurs.

Kevin Pope

Michael A. Judith

Dr. Greg Howes

Steward Bush

George Gramatikas

Mark Blue

Angela Kendall

Keith Lowe

Leslie Molony

Deepak Mohan

Dave Spitzer

Terry Pierce

A.J. Ripin

Erik Sand

Dr. Dylan Schmorrow

Brigadier General Stephen M. Seay

Craig Nelson

Erin Curatu

Edwin Nassiff, PhD

Shan Shanbhag, PhD

Stacie Ruth

Learn More about Mentoring

UCF I-Corps Methodology

All of the teams going through the UCF I-Corps program utilize Steve Blank’s Lean Startup approach, a game-changing methodology and process to test and validate assumptions about market opportunity.

Therefore, it is a requirement for mentors to be familiar with this methodology in order to be an effective I-Corps Mentor. Lean Startup is not only a standard methodology in use at each of the NSF I-Corps Site and Node locations, but it is also used by accelerators and incubators on an international basis. For those unfamiliar with Lean Startup, there are a series of videos covering all aspects of it, developed by Steve Blank and provided complimentary on Udacity.

Mentor Opportunities

There are various opportunities to participate as a UCF I-Corps Mentor depending on availability and willingness to commit to the UCF I-Corps program goals and objectives. Listed below are three opportunities:

Champion: Local; An advocate in the community for UCF I-Corps program and mentors
Entrepreneur Mentor: Local; Commitment of several hours per week to lead a team through the I-Corps program
Subject Matter Expert Mentor: Local or non-local; Available via Skype or phone/email to assist Team

The UCF I-Corps program needs professionals who want to make a difference to the Central Florida innovation ecosystem in a very tangible way. In exchange, UCF I-Corps Mentors receive the following significant values:

Create close ties with a world-class University and faculty
Help develop the next generation of technology leaders
Contribute to the successful launch of new ventures from innovative research
Become a Co-founder in a potential new high growth business right here in Central Florida
Strengthen the region’s economy
Become part of a national network of professionals advancing technology entrepreneurship
Direct input into I-Corps program management and leadership
Create connections in support of UCF’s goal to be the leading partnership university

Once your application has been received, an interview will soon follow, by a member of the I-Corps staff, teaching team, or by a current mentor.

Apply to become a UCF I-Corps Mentor!

FAQs

What is the time commitment?

The UCF I-Corps program is cohort-based, whereby 8-10 teams of 3 or more people are selected for each cohort. Typical programs consists of either 4 or 7 weeks in length and meets once per week for 3 hours, where a “flipped classroom” style is used. It is expected that the mentor attend the class if possible, or will instead keep in contact with the team over phone or Skype.

How does the mentoring process work?

UCF I-Corps utilizes LaunchPad Central, an online platform, where mentors and instructors actively interact and comment on each teams weekly presentations.