About MRC ICURe Discover
MRC ICURe Discover is one of the UKRI council pathway programmes running through 2026/27, delivered by Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with the Medical Research Council to specifically to accelerate research and innovation in diagnosis, advance treatment and prevent human illness.
This is a 10-week, part-time online market discovery programme 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 service or experience.
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.
If you are unsure whether your technology or research fits these sectors, please get in touch icure@setsquared.co.uk.
Please note it is a pre-requisite to attend ICURe Discover if you wish to apply for ICURe Explore.
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MRC ICURe Discover is open to all UK universities and approved public sector research establishments (PSREs) who are working specifically across the full breadth of MRC’s remit, including novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other interventions addressing human health challenges in the UK and globally. The opportunity is open to all researchers working within MRC’s remit, irrespective of funding source.
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
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The programme includes:
- support to carry out market and customer discovery on a part-time basis over an 10-week period
- 8 half-day workshops, followed by an options roundabout where you will present your market validation findings
- 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
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ICURe Discover is now a compulsory route into the ICURe Explore Programme. 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.
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Applications open: 28/09/2026
Online briefing session: 01/10/2026 – Register for the session
Applications close: 30/10/2026
Start date: 03/12/2026
Location: Online
Delivery partner: SETsquared Partnership -
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 for as many applications as possible.
The application form may be accessed from the links on this website.
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 endeavour to help.
Application support & guidance
For further information please read the Key dates, expectations and guidance document.
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