ICURe SURfACE pilot opens doors for underrepresented universities

The SURfACE pilot is part of the Innovate UK ICURe Programme, which helps university research teams explore the commercial potential of their ideas. SURfACE is designed specifically to broaden access to commercialisation support for institutions that have traditionally had limited involvement in national innovation schemes, including post-1992 universities. Through training, expert guidance and direct engagement with the market, the programme empowers researchers to take their first steps into entrepreneurship and commercial thinking.

In 2025/26, the SURfACE programme will support 20 projects across the UK. Six projects have already received support this year, including from London Metropolitan University, University of Sussex, Kingston University London, University of Brighton and Edinburgh Napier University. All but Sussex are post-1992 universities, with Kingston and Brighton also members of University Alliance – a partner in ICURe Engage Outreach, a pilot programme designed to raise awareness and participation from universities with less commercialisation infrastructure.

ICURe SURfACE is a vital part of our strategy to broaden the ICURe footprint across the UK. We know there is huge untapped potential in universities that haven’t traditionally been part of national innovation schemes. Through SURfACE, we are providing the tools, training and connections to help those institutions explore commercialisation confidently and effectively. Over the coming years, we want to support more universities in every region of the UK to realise the impact their research can have.

– Tony Walker, Head of Hubs at Innovate UK ICURe

Breaking new ground at Salford

Before joining ICURe, Salford had never participated in a national commercialisation initiative. Despite a strong research base across multiple disciplines, the university faced a familiar challenge: limited capacity and experience in spin-outs and commercial pathways, coupled with academic staff who carry demanding teaching loads.

That changed with the ICURe SURfACE pilot. Beginning with a two-day virtual Bootcamp in November 2024, the programme provided Salford with a structured and supportive route into commercialisation. Three research projects from the university joined the pilot cohort, while additional Salford researchers secured places on other ICURe Discover programmes. Collectively, they gained valuable exposure to the commercial landscape and learned how to assess their research through the lens of market need.

Paul Cihlar, Head of Commercialisation at Salford, described the shift as transformational. “ICURe SURfACE changed everything. It gave us a structured pathway to help our researchers think differently about how their work could be applied and supported us to build institutional capability at the same time. That combination of real-world knowledge and hands-on support has been a game changer.”

Embedding a new culture

Encouraged by the programme’s success, Salford is now embedding ICURe principles into its broader IP and commercialisation strategy. Plans are underway for a university-wide roadshow in the next academic year, designed to raise awareness and equip more researchers with the mindset and tools needed to engage with commercial pathways.

“We’re on the verge of a real culture shift here at Salford. We can now talk with confidence about commercialisation and spin-outs. That’s something we couldn’t do before ICURe SURfACE.”

– Paul Cihlar, Head of Commercialisation, University of Salford

ICURe SURfACE has proven that with the right support, smaller universities that may not typically engage in commercialisation can thrive as engines of innovation.

If you’re an academic or TTO at a university or research organisation that hasn’t yet participated in an ICURe programme and would like to learn more, get in touch via info@icureprogramme.com