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The forest products industry is evolving, and new technologies are creating opportunities for a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future. Forest-related innovations are transforming how we grow, manage, use, and value forest resources across the entire value chain. From advanced wood products, bioplastics, and biofuels to waste upcycling, digital forestry, AI, data analytics, and next-generation manufacturing, this I-Corps Spark cohort is designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community teams developing solutions that advance the future of forestry and forest products. If your work falls within any of these areas, this cohort is for you.

Through customer discovery, participants explore their innovation’s real-world potential by building connections with potential customers. The cohort culminates with a Lessons Learned workshop featuring a session with industry mentors tailored for Forest Tech innovators.
 

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Schedule

• October 1: Virtual Kickoff, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
• Week 2: Virtual Office Hours #1
• Week 3: Virtual Office Hours #2
• October 29: Virtual Closing, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

What you’ll get:

• Validate your idea through customer discovery
• Gain confidence in your next steps
• Reduce risk before investing significant time and resources
• Strengthen your idea for funding, partnerships, licensing, or startup opportunities
• Prepare for the NSF I-Corps Teams program, if eligible

The I-Corps program offers a free, 3 week customer discovery course that provides an accessible starting point for researchers interested in translating their research into market-ready solutions. With no prior experience required, this program offers mentoring, training, and future opportunities for funding to help teams explore the potential of their technology concepts in real-world applications.

For more information visit the Harvard I-Corps page or the Hub's website for full details on application requirements.