{"id":2,"date":"2013-10-09T13:48:58","date_gmt":"2013-10-09T13:48:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/soe\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T18:43:35","slug":"resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/prototyping\/product-development\/resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Resources for Startups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is a Customer Discovery Program?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Customer discovery programs allow you to address a specific and important problem directly with a group of customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group is typically a limited number, but it\u2019s important to avoid developing a custom solution for a single individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is often recommended to focus on a single industry at a time with the end goal of developing a great product-to-market fit and a group of happy reference customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer Discovery Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I-Corps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Primary Contact: Brian Thompson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Initially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)<\/a> <\/strong>in 2015 and renewed in 2018, the Milwaukee I-Corps Program offers researchers and entrepreneurs a chance to explore the viability of their technologies and ventures through the \u201cLean Startup\u201d or \u201cLean Launch\u201d process of direct engagement with the potential markets. Through a five-week workshop, participants are coached on designing and validating a business model around their idea and deciding whether the idea is a go\/no-go decision based on their business model.  Regardless of the go\/no-go outcome, teams will develop valuable skills in discovering the market \u2013 skills that will inform their research, business, and careers.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n