Apply for winter 2025 I-Corps innovation training

November 7, 2025

a man with maroon sweater and glasses smiling — Professor Peter Webley, Director, Center ICE, Co-founded UAF’s first start-up company

Applications are now open for the Winter 2025 National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Customer Discovery Program, offered through

the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Alaska Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (Center ICE). The four-week program begins Nov. 25 and helps researchers, faculty, staff, and students test the real-world potential of their ideas. Applications close Nov. 14.

Open to all Alaskans, the program provides hands-on training in customer discovery, market validation, and commercialization strategy. Participants learn

how to engage with potential customers, gather feedback, and refine their innovations to meet real-world needs. The cohort will meet virtually on Mondays, Nov. 25, Dec. 1, 8, and 15 from 5–7 p.m. Alaska time.

Each team will receive mentorship, participate in guided workshops, and conduct at least 20 customer interviews during the program. Completion of all sessions is required.

For more information or to apply, visit the I-Corps Hub Northwest application form or contact Peter Webley at pwwebley@alaska.edu.

Learn more about the I-Corps program here.