About TMF AI ICURe Engage
This sector-specific Innovate UK ICURe Engage programme, delivered in collaboration with the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator (PQA), is a 4-week, part-time programme tailored for research students and technicians from Scottish institutions.
The programme supports participants to identify potential beneficiaries of their research, introduces practical tools for commercialisation, and encourages entrepreneurship as a pathway to achieving societal impact and a viable career choice. This cohort is focused on innovations within photonics, quantum, and related enabling technologies.
If you are unsure whether your technology or research fits these sectors, please get in touch – icure@setsquared.co.uk.
What’s included
- 2-day training bootcamp from impact experts.
- Introduction to ICURe, ideation, design thinking and value proposition canvas.
- Weekly hour-long conversations with peer group support and mentors for 3 Weeks.
- Around 5 hours of self-study and research over the 3 weeks.
- Consideration of how a venture delivering impact may be funded.
- Production of a short video report reflecting on knowledge gained and research area impact potential.
Why attend?
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. Our pioneers get access to leading university resources, and fantastic networks of mentors and investors who join them early on their journey. We’re de-risking very exciting technologies which have enormous potential to change the world for the better.
Who is eligible?
The ICURe Engage programme is open to research students (including research master’s students, early stage PhD candidates, and post-Docs) and technicians who are interested in entrepreneurship and are working within photonics, quantum, or closely related fields.
This opportunity is open to all researchers from Scottish institutions – regardless of whether they already have a defined commercial idea. The programme is designed to introduce participants to ICURe and support early thinking around impact and entrepreneurship
Key dates
- Applications open: 29/01/2026
- Applications close: 24/02/2026 @ 23:59
- Notification of results: 25/02/2026
- Start date: 05/03/2026
- Delivery partner: SETsquared
Please read the Key dates, expectations and guidance document.
About our partners
Photonics and Quantum Accelerator
The Photonics & Quantum Accelerator is a £4.7M Place Based Impact Acceleration Account funded by UKRI via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). PQA brings together researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews and Strathclyde, and a number of local authorities and industry bodies to advance the growth of the photonics sector in Scotland. PQA will harness academic excellence in photonics and quantum technologies to accelerate growth of the sector for the economic and societal benefits in Scotland’s Central Belt.
Scottish Enterprise
Our strategic ambition is to drive up levels of innovation, internationalisation and investment in Scotland, building a fair, green and growing economy. Scotland needs more businesses with growth potential and ambition to export and innovate. At Scottish Enterprise, we are applying our strong track record and experience to tackle these issues and deliver our purpose – to enable businesses to innovate and scale to transform the economy. As Scotland’s national and international economic development agency we have the reach and track record to deliver transformational economic change. We have been a catalyst in the development of Scotland’s economy for many years, joining forces with our partners to help secure record levels of investment, building world-class facilities and shaping new market opportunities.
Converge
Converge works in close partnership with Scotland’s universities to support staff, students and recent graduates to transform their ideas into thriving sustainable businesses. With an established and expanding network, Converge offers opportunities to develop skills, experience and connections at the earliest stages of the entrepreneurial journey to fast track future business success. Our unique model to support entrepreneurship across universities is designed to accelerate the pipeline of emerging spinouts and start-ups in Scotland.
Application support and guidance
For further information please read the Key dates, expectations and guidance document.
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