About The Programme
Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) is the UK’s leading early stage research accelerator programme. It guides researchers through the process of refining and validating the commercial potential for some of the world’s leading-edge science, technology and knowledge assets. ICURe Discover is open to researchers and technicians from all UK universities and approved public sector research establishments (PSREs). We accept innovations from any discipline or background within these areas.
What is Discover?
Innovate UK ICURe Discover is an 8-week, part-time online market discovery programme designed to support researchers and technicians in exploring their potential market. The programme aims to enhance market awareness and deepen the understanding of potential technology applications.
Past participants say that having dedicated time to spend understanding what commercialisation of research means has dramatically changed their perspective on their research, ideas, and innovations. The programme introduces ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think differently about impact, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.
This specific Discover course is a closed programme for women only. Should you have any queries please contact thea.glasspool@setsquared.co.uk and / or rosy.jones@setsquared.co.uk .
Full details are given below: if you have any further questions, please direct them to icure@setsquared.co.uk.
* ICURe Discover is open to researchers and technicians from all UK universities and approved public sector research establishments (PSREs). We accept innovations from any discipline or background within these areas.
This is a closed programme for women only. Should you have any queries please contact thea.glasspool@setsquared.co.uk or rosy.jones@setsquared.co.uk.
We Particularly Welcome Applications From Individuals In
* Universities who have not previously participated in the ICURe programme.
* Universities who do not receive HEIF funding.
* Under-represented groups including women, people of colour, those living with disabilities, and those from the LGBTQI+ communities.
* Approved public sector research establishments (PSREs) conducting research within the specified domains.
* Our 8-week, part-time online market discovery program is developed using the lean startup methodology, which applies the scientific method (hypothesise, test, evaluate) to business ideas. Participants will learn how to use this approach to gauge their potential customers’ opinions about their idea, product, or service. This programme is suitable for participants looking to explore the potential of their early-stage projects or those who require a part-time commitment for market exploration.
* Support to carry out market and customer discovery on a part-time basis over an 8-week period.
* 8 half-day workshops, following a pre-course briefing with our team of experts. Please note that participants are expected to attend all 8 workshops
* Flexible online delivery
* Hearing from guest speakers, who will share their learning and experiences from their ICURe journeys.
* Introduction to Strategyzer Business Model Canvas (BMC)
* Trainer, mentor, and peer feedback with next steps guidance following your ICURe Discover journey.
* Up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities
* Applications open: 6 August 2025
Applications close: 8 September 2025
Briefing session: 2 September 2025
Programme start date: 1 October 2025
* The online application form will ask a series of questions about you and your research project.
There is a limited number of spaces on each Cohort, but we try to provide support to as many applications as possible.
You will need to have engaged with your University Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and your Principal Investigator prior to applying. Please contact us if your university does not have a TTO or IP Manager and we will endeavor to help.
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