Designed as a pre-NSF I-Corps experience, NTEC provides experiential entrepreneurship education for teams led by undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scholars. NTEC teams learn about the importance of customer discovery and how to leverage NNCI resources to develop a nanotechnology-enabled minimum viable product (MVP). The seven-week, virtual “at-your-pace” program culminates in a “pitch” event where teams share their progress with business leaders. By leveraging entrepreneurship resources available at each site, NTEC can be scaled and competed across the NNCI. 

The Fall 2026 Call for NTEC proposals is now open. This year, NTEC becomes NQTEC, as we incorporate quantum-enabled innovations during the transition from NNCI to the future NQNI. Access the Request for Proposals here. To apply, submit your application here by September 21st, 2026.