What is Technology Scouting?

Technology Scouts help I-Corps program graduates learn about local, regional and national resources they can explore to move their innovation forward and identify strategic next steps. Typically, Tech Scouts support deep tech researchers and startup teams from their own university and other universities and entrepreneurship support programs in their area. Out-of-region teams are connected to the IN Hub partner who hosted the regional course they attended, and/or they are connected to a Hub contact in their home region.

Who do Technology Scouts Support?

Regional Course Graduates

Teams who complete Interior Northeast I-Corps Hub regional courses
Usually paired with scouts from their own university or local area
Out-of-region teams are matched with scouts from the Hub partner that hosted their course or to the local I-Corps Hub in their region

National I-Corps Teams Graduates

Teams participating in or preparing for the national I-Corps Teams program
Receive specialized support throughout the application and program process

Is this YOU? Email [email protected].

How do Technology Scouts Support Participants?

For Regional Course Graduates

Next Steps: Every course completer is assigned a Tech Scout and receives their contact information
Program Screening: Teams identified as strong candidates for national I-Corps receive guidance on eligibility and application resources
Strategic Planning: Help identifying next steps based on the innovation’s stage and goals

For National I-Corps Teams Graduates

Application Support: Feedback on Executive Summary drafts and help finding mentors
Process Guidance: Assistance with Hub interviews (for regional course participants) or NSF submissions (for research-based teams)
Proposal Development: Tips for completing full applications and preparing for the national course
Post-Program Follow-up: Discussion of experiences and exploration of next steps

Resource Connections

Tech Scouts connect teams with a comprehensive network of support, including:

Regional innovation ecosystem programs like the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate NY and 3 EDA Tech Hubs: NY SMART I-Corridor, NENY.org and VT GaN
Seed funding grant programs like SBIR/STTR and NSF TTP
University resources: Technology Transfer offices and campus programs
Funding opportunities: SBIR/STTR grants and other funding sources
Development support: Incubators, accelerators, and R&D facilities
Growth opportunities: Competitions and venture development organizations
Mentorship: Programs and individual mentor connections
Government resources: Federal, state, regional, and local support programs

Why Tech Scouts Matter

Innovation can be complex and knowing where to turn next isn’t always clear. Tech Scouts help bridge the gap between completing an I-Corps program and taking concrete steps. They provide guidance based on your team’s goals—helping ensure you don’t miss valuable opportunities or get stuck wondering what to do next.

Tech Scouts are part of the Interior Northeast I-Corps Hub’s Operations team, committed to supporting innovators throughout their entrepreneurial journey.