Award Abstract # 1644707
I-Corps Sites - Type I: Mass-I-Corps at UMass Lowell

NSF Org: TI
Translational Impacts
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
Initial Amendment Date: February 1, 2017
Latest Amendment Date: February 5, 2024
Award Number: 1644707
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: Ruth Shuman
rshuman@nsf.gov
 (703)292-2160
TI
 Translational Impacts
TIP
 Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
Start Date: February 14, 2017
End Date: January 31, 2025 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $499,849.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $577,325.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2017 = $99,969.00
FY 2018 = $99,970.00

FY 2019 = $99,970.00

FY 2020 = $277,416.00
History of Investigator:
  • Abdelhakim Hammach (Principal Investigator)
    hakim_hammach@uml.edu
  • Nancy Saucier (Former Principal Investigator)
  • Thomas O'Donnell (Former Principal Investigator)
  • michael laine (Former Principal Investigator)
  • Steven Tello (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Jack Wilson (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Yi Yang (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of Massachusetts Lowell
220 PAWTUCKET ST STE 400
LOWELL
MA  US  01854-3573
(978)934-4170
Sponsor Congressional District: 03
Primary Place of Performance: University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Avenue
Lowell
MA  US  01854-2827
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
03
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): LTNVSTJ3R6D5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): I-Corps-Sites
Primary Program Source: 01001718DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01001819DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01001920DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01002021DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01002122DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 8046
Program Element Code(s): 804600
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.084

ABSTRACT

This project establishes an I-Corps Site at the University of Massachusetts Lowell
(UMass Lowell). The Site builds on existing programs while establishing/strengthening existing collaborations with The University of Massachusetts Medical School, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Middlesex Community College. Activities of the site will include: training teams, nurturing and mentoring teams, awarding grants for customer discovery, and facilitating follow-on support.

NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Sites are NSF-funded entities established at universities whose purpose is to nurture and support multiple, local teams to transition their technology concepts into the marketplace. Sites provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their work into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants.

Some of the strengths that this institution brings to the I-Corps Site Program are: UMass Lowell has a percentage of 1st time in college students that is significantly higher than most private universities; the programs that will be associated with the I-Corps Site have a track record for attracting women and minorities into their programming; a clear methodology for tracking and evaluating team success is provided that captures various aspects of performance and other programmatic characteristics; and, based on the description of existing programs and initiatives at the institution, there appears to be adequate resources in place to carry out the proposal. The project plans to engage a wide variety of institutional partners while also targeting women, first-generation students and students of color for participation in the Sites program. The potential to realize broader impacts is a definite strength of the proposal.

PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.

Project Outcomes Report: NSF I-Corps at UML

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) NSF I-Corps program has had a transformative impact on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among faculty, PhD candidates, master’s students, and undergraduate entrepreneurs. Through comprehensive training and mentorship, the program has helped bridge the gap between academic research and market-viable solutions, strengthening both intellectual merit and broader societal impacts.

 

Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts

The UML I-Corps program trained multiple teams composed of participants from various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, plastics engineering, biophysics, and biochemistry. These teams engaged in the UML Site program, which provided them with hands-on learning experiences in technology commercialization, customer discovery, and business model development.

By integrating entrepreneurial principles with technical expertise, the program has enhanced participants' understanding of the commercialization process, refining their ability to translate research into real-world applications. Faculty and researchers have benefited from training that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding the scope of innovation within STEM fields. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on experiential learning has contributed to advancements in pedagogical methods, incorporating industry-relevant approaches into STEM education.

 

Training and Professional Development

The on-campus NSF I-Corps program has provided numerous opportunities for professional development, equipping participants with essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on customer discovery, students and researchers gained practical experience in technology commercialization, market analysis, and strategic business planning. These skills have enhanced their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, and startups.

To further support the program’s mission, UML hired three consultants in July 2024 to conduct outreach to faculty and researchers. These consultants played a crucial role in guiding participants through the commercialization process and fostering connections between lab innovations and industry applications. Additionally, eight experienced teachers were contracted to deliver training sessions across three cohorts, ensuring that participants received comprehensive instruction tailored to their entrepreneurial journeys.

Impact on Technology Transfer and Society

UML I-Corps program has significantly contributed to technology transfer by fostering translational research. Through mentorship and training, teams have explored the commercial potential of their technologies, leading to increased patent filings, potential licensing opportunities, and startup formations. By fostering collaborations between academia and industry, the program has strengthened pathways for technology commercialization

.

Beyond science and technology, the program has made a lasting societal impact, particularly in addressing environmental and health challenges. Many I-Corps projects have focused on renewable energy, pollution reduction, and medical diagnostics, aligning with societal needs. By encouraging an innovation-driven culture, the program has inspired participants to develop solutions that promote sustainability, public health, and economic growth.

 

Conclusion

The NSF I-Corps program at UML has successfully cultivated a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to commercialize scientific and engineering discoveries. By integrating business acumen with technical expertise, the program has empowered students, faculty, and researchers to become leaders in their fields. Through its contributions to training, technology transfer, and societal impact, UML I-Corps has played a crucial role in shaping the future of STEM-driven entrepreneurship, ensuring that research and innovation continue to create meaningful benefits for both industry and society.

 

 


Last Modified: 03/03/2025
Modified by: Abdelhakim Hammach

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