Launching lean: insights from early-stage entrepreneurship development programs for scientists

Abstract University-based technology commercialization is widely recognized as a key driver of economic development, prompting extensive research into support programs—such as venture funds, accelerators, and proof-of-concept centers—designed to support academic entrepreneurship. Yet, many university scientists lack the entrepreneurial skills, experience, and networks required to navigate commercialization pathways effectively. In response, a new generation of government-supported programs has emerged globally, with a primary focus on early-stage entrepreneurial development. This study examines the origins, design, and evolution of such initiatives across eight countries, most of which are modeled on the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program but have been adapted to reflect regional contexts and institutional needs. Through cross-case analysis, we demonstrate that these programs constitute a multi-tiered infrastructure that strengthens the translation of academic research into market-ready innovations. These initiatives are increasingly vital to the advancement of entrepreneurial universities and the maturation of national and regional innovation ecosystems. The paper concludes with comparative insights and suggestions for future research. For policymakers and program designers, the findings highlight how program choices can be used as levers to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, align interventions with the diverse needs of scientists, and improve the integration of customer discovery and related forms of training withing broader ecosystems.