Event

Unlock the commercial potential of your research

Applications Open 18th May 2026
Applications Close 11th June 2026 @23:59
Activity Schedule 2-Day Bootcamp
22nd & 23rd June 2026
Check-ins 2nd, 8th, 14th & 21st July 2026

Whether you’re a postdoctoral researcher, PhD student, research technician, or master’s student, ICURe offers structured pathways to explore how your research could become a spin-out company or licensing opportunity.

What is ICURe?

ICURe (Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research) supports researchers in:

• Identifying real-world applications of their research
• Testing commercial potential through market discovery
• Developing viable business or licensing models
• Accessing funding, mentorship, and investor networks

The programme follows a flexible, staged approach so you can enter at the point that suits your research journey.

Programme Stages

1. ICURe Engage (4 weeks, part-time)

A low-commitment introduction to entrepreneurship.

• No funding or business idea required
• Includes bootcamp training and mentoring
• Learn ideation, design thinking, and value propositions
• Develop a short reflective project

✅ Ideal for: Exploring whether your research has commercial potential

2. ICURe Discover (8–11 weeks part-time or 3-week sprint)

A structured programme to test early assumptions.

• Up to £2,500 funding
• Learn lean startup methods (hypothesise, test, learn)
• Gain access to mentors and industry networks

✅ Ideal for: Testing ideas and identifying potential markets

3. ICURe Explore (12–16 weeks, full-time)

Deep market validation and commercial exploration.

• Up to £35,000 funding
• Dedicated Entrepreneurial Lead role
• Intensive training and global market engagement
• Support from experts and mentors

✅ Ideal for: Teams ready to validate and develop a commercial model

4. ICURe Exploit (up to 12 weeks)

Preparation for commercial launch or licensing.

• Spin-out and company formation support
• Investment readiness and pitch development
• Business planning and growth strategy

✅ Ideal for: Teams ready to launch or license innovations

UKRI Council Pathways

Through 2026–27, ICURe is aligned with UKRI research councils to better support researchers within their disciplines.

This means:

• Sector-specific cohorts and networks
• Tailored support aligned to research areas
• Seamless integration into academic environments

Researchers can now explore commercialisation without stepping away from their academic work.

Why Join ICURe?

• Gain real-world impact from your research
• Explore entrepreneurship with minimal risk
• Access expert mentoring and funding
• Stay embedded within your academic pathway

Get Started

Ready to explore your research’s potential?

👉 Apply here