Seton Hall Joins National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Northeast Hub

Seton Hall University has been selected as the first Associate member of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) Northeast Hub. This designation places Seton Hall among a select group of institutions committed to transforming research into real-world solutions through entrepreneurial education.

The I-Corps program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides researchers and student teams with hands-on experiential training and funding to explore whether their innovations have commercial potential. Through the Hub, Seton Hall students and faculty gain access to entrepreneurship boot camps, including the signature “Propelus” — a four-session regional training that includes a $1,500 stipend and pairs participants with mentors from top instructors across partner institutions.

“Joining the I-Corps Northeast Hub represents an exciting step forward for Seton Hall and our commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Professor of Finance Hongfei Frank Tang, Ph.D., who will serve as faculty lead for Seton Hall’s I-Corps program. “This partnership gives our faculty and students direct access to valuable resources, mentorship, and national networks which accelerate the translation of research into real-world solutions. This program also fosters collaboration across disciplines and an entrepreneurial mindset that will serve them long after their time at the University.”

The University’s new Associate member status reflects its strategic commitment to fostering “impactful, innovative academic programs and research that address societal challenges,” said Benjamin Lowe, M.B.A., a faculty member in the Stillman School of Business. He will serve as co-director of Seton Hall’s I-Corps program with Susan Scherreik, M.B.A., founding director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“Seton Hall is dedicated to transforming great ideas into tangible, real-world impact,” he said. “In developing our strategic vision, we sought to align our efforts with the visionary leadership of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton — promoting innovation that not only advances knowledge but also serves the common good. The NSF I-Corps program gives our researchers the tools to explore commercialization opportunities and bring that vision to life.”

Building on Innovation
Seton Hall’s participation in I-Corps is already making an impact across disciplines. Faculty and student research teams who have completed the Propelus program are now applying entrepreneurial training to explore the market potential of their work.

Green Tea as a Weapon Against Antibiotic Resistance
Biology Professor Tinchun Tina Chu, Ph.D., and student researcher James Primerano earned a competitive spot in the NSF I-Corps program to evaluate the commercial potential of their research on EC16-containing formulations, derived from green tea. Their project focused on the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of novel formulations, particularly in biofilm-forming bacteria linked to oral health conditions. As part of I-Corps, the team conducted extensive customer discovery interviews with dentists, nurses, surgeons and other healthcare professionals to assess the market need for innovative, non-antibiotic treatments.

“Our research is centered on developing alternatives to conventional antibiotics by leveraging the antimicrobial properties of green tea compounds,” said Chu. “The I-Corps experience enabled us to assess the real-world need for such innovations and validated the translational potential of our work. Speaking directly with healthcare providers helped us refine our approach and explore future directions for development.”

She added, “Participating in the I-Corps Northeast Regional program last summer was an invaluable opportunity. It broadened our perspective on impact and deepened our understanding of stakeholder needs. With Seton Hall now part of the NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub, I look forward to seeing more faculty and students engage in this meaningful pathway from academic research to real-world solutions.”

A Smarter, Safer Marine Paint
Professor Sergiu Gorun, Ph.D. in the department of chemistry and biochemistry developed an innovative, environmentally friendly marine coating. The “smart” paint uses oxygen and sunlight to create a self-cleaning surface that resists corrosion and pollution. Lowe explored the commercial potential of the technology through the I-Corps program, conducting customer discovery and assessing its viability in the multibillion-dollar maritime industry. The project is a standout example of how Seton Hall’s growing patent portfolio can translate into sustainable, real-world applications.

Advancing Antifungal Therapies
Ph.D. alumnus Robert Tancer and Charnette Frederic, M.H.A. ’11/Ph.D. ’23, also completed the I-Corps program mentored by Assistant Professor Gregory Wiedman, Ph.D. Their work focused on a novel antifungal peptide developed in Tancer’s doctoral research to treat Cryptococcus neoformans, a dangerous and highly drug-resistant pathogen. The team gained direct feedback from public health officials and healthcare providers, helping to shape their commercialization path. They also benefited from mentorship through the I-Corps Hub, including guidance from NSF advisor Michael Craig, Ph.D.

“All these projects are a testament to the quality and creativity of our research community,” said Scherreik. “By connecting our faculty and students with the I-Corps Hub, we’re giving them the tools and the network they need to move their innovations forward.”

A Platform for Growth
As an Associate member, Seton Hall joins a powerful ecosystem that offers extensive resources for innovators — from Propelus training to mentoring, networking and potential seed funding, including future grant opportunities. Seton Hall faculty and students have already participated in sessions hosted by Rutgers, NJIT and Princeton, and will continue to take advantage of regional opportunities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut.

This fall, the University will host a one-hour information session to introduce the program to more faculty and students, and to expand participation across disciplines.

“This is a powerful step forward for Seton Hall,” said Scherreik. “Joining this association of the Northeast region’s most prestigious universities will provide us with abundant resources and opportunities to further entrepreneurship and accelerate the transition of federally funded research into commercial ventures. We look forward to fully participating in this effort, starting with hosting a Novus event this fall.”

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