Program aims to boost economic impact of research

Starting this spring, the Michigan I-Corps program will work with researchers from across the state.

"The Michigan economy depends on the ability of residents to reinvent the future through innovation and entrepreneurship," Jonathan Fay, associate director of entrepreneurial practice at the University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship, which will administer the program, said in a statement.

"In addition to strengthening early-stage technology startups, we believe the program will activate and integrate the state's entrepreneurial and researcher communities, and draw ... talent back to Michigan to fund and staff exciting new ventures."

Michigan I-Corps is modeled after the National Science Foundation's National I-Corps program. In 2012, the University of Michigan became one of three places selected by the foundation to administer the national program to entrepreneurial faculty from across the country.