Team Mentors are embedded within individual I-Corps Teams, participating in all cohort activities at Local, Regional, or National levels. They act as impartial advisors, helping teams identify and address confirmation bias during the customer discovery process. These mentors often bring valuable industry connections and in-depth knowledge of the target market ecosystem.

• Time Commitment: At the Local and Regional levels, the time commitment is smaller. For National I-Corps Teams, mentors dedicate 15–20 hours per week over a 7-week program.

Cohort Mentors are assigned to specific Local or Regional I-Corps programs and provide guidance to multiple teams within the cohort. They assist with tasks such as developing ecosystem maps, refining value propositions, and offering industry-specific insights. Their expertise is typically concentrated in a particular industry vertical, allowing them to help teams navigate unique challenges in those sectors.

• Time Commitment: Cohort Mentors typically engage 1–2 hours per week over a 5–8-week program.

Spot Mentors offer their expertise on an ad hoc basis and are often affiliated with specific universities or colleges. They specialize in functional areas such as legal, accounting, public relations, marketing, or other relevant fields, helping teams address challenges as they explore their innovation.

• Time Commitment: Spot Mentors provide support as needed, usually 1–2 hours per month.

Starter Mentors are new to the I-Corps program and contribute on a limited basis. They are interested in supporting teams and sharing their expertise but prefer occasional involvement. These mentors are part of the Southeast I-Corps Hub’s expansive mentor network and may be matched with teams across the region.

• Time Commitment: Starter Mentors engage approximately 1–2 hours annually.