The University of Missouri-Kansas City plans to offer a nationally known program for technology-based businesses.

I-Corps Sites (short for “Innovation Corps”) was created by the National Science Foundation to encourage the commercialization of promising technology.

The program provides free training, mentoring and connections to teams that are building science- or innovation-led companies. Much of the training was developed by startup legend Steve Blank, who adapted it from his Lean Launchpad class at the NSF’s request.

Here in Kansas City, the I-Corps Site training will consist of five weekly classes that each run three hours, starting on Aug. 23.

Teams will also conduct 28 interviews with industry experts, potential customers and investors to see if their idea has the potential to become a sustainable business. They’ll use the Lean Business Model Canvas to create and refine their value proposition and business model.

As part of their I-Corps Site experience, each team will receive a $3,000 “micro grant” from the National Science Foundation for prototyping and other needs. Participants aren’t charged anything to go through I-Corps Site.

To apply for Kansas City’s I-Corps Site program, visit this website.

There are more than 70 I-Corps Site locations across the country, including at the Missouri University of Science & Technology.