NSF I-Corps Info Session & URI Innovations Office Hours
URI Innovations will be hosting an NSF I-Corps Information Session and Innovation Office Hours on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 12:00–2:00 PM in Washburn 220.
We are pleased to welcome Sarah Biester, NSF I-Corps Project Director, who will provide a short overview of the NSF I-Corps program and how it helps scientists and engineers explore the potential applications of their research through a structured customer discovery process.
NSF I-Corps prepares researchers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and evaluate the real-world potential of their discoveries, helping increase the economic and societal impact of NSF-funded and other research projects.
Following Sarah’s presentation, the URI Innovations team will host open office hours, where faculty, students, and researchers can ask questions, discuss ideas, or explore potential pathways for research translation. Sarah and the URI Innovations team will be available to speak one-on-one with attendees during this time.
Some examples of Office Hours Topics Include:
• Intellectual property (patents, copyrights, disclosures)
• Research commercialization & technology transfer
• Startup formation & entrepreneurship support
• Licensing & industry partnerships
• Upcoming URI Annual Technology Showcase
• URI, URI Innovations, and regional innovation resources
• “I have an idea — what should I do next?”
No preparation required – just bring your questions and curiosity.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 PM
Location: Washburn 220
Please reach out to Allison Markova with questions: allison_nangle@uri.edu
Advance registration is not required but helpful- please register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwL6nT-rdB0EKp2ijI-L_hsoeyBIZgM7-Fa6UTWpkUlDudnQ/viewform?usp=header