The University of Akron is leading an effort to create an Ohio state-wide version of the highly successful NSF I-Corps program. Selected university research faculty and their graduate students are teamed with experienced mentors and receive funding and experiential training on technology commercialization. The program expands the perspective of research scholars, who want to gain an appreciation, as well as valuable knowledge and tools, for research and development that is focused on new and useful products and services. The Lean Launchpad training model is used in an eight-week program focused on identifying and providing customer solutions via technology commercialization.