Green Energy & Digital Technologies ICURe Discover
This ICURe Discover programme is open to academics, postgraduate research students and technicians (all disciplines) from University of Aberdeen, and Robert Gordon University (up to 10) with further participants from across Scottish Universities. This programme will focus on examining the commercial potential of research in the broad fields of green energy and digital technologies. Applications in the green energy fields of floating wind, green hydrogen and alternative fuels are particularly welcome. Digital technologies will include high-growth priority sectors such as health and life sciences and advanced manufacturing in addition to green energy.
This part-time market discovery programme runs from February to April 2027 and opens with a two-day in-person bootcamp in the University of Aberdeen. The programme is developed using the lean startup methodology, which applies the scientific method (hypothesise, test, evaluate) to business ideas.
Innovate UK ICURe is partnering with University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University and Scottish Enterprise to deliver this programme supported by North East Scotland Investment Zone.
If you are unsure whether your research fits the scope of the programme, please get in touch with the ICURe team.
Please note it is a prerequisite to attend ICURe Discover if you wish to apply for ICURe Explore.
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Green Energy and Digital Technologies ICURe Discover s open to academics, postgraduate research students and technicians (all disciplines) from University of Aberdeen, and Robert Gordon University (up to 10) with further participants from across Scottish Universities.
This programme will focus on examining the commercial potential of research in the broad fields of green energy and digital technologies. Applications in the green energy fields of floating wind, green hydrogen and alternative fuels are particularly welcome. Digital technologies will include high-growth priority sectors such as health and life sciences and advanced manufacturing in addition to green energy.
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
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The programme includes:
- up to £2,500 support for testing assumptions and market discovery activities
- part-time market discovery from February to April 2027
- two-day in-person training bootcamp with commercialisation experts
- training on how to gather market feedback that indicates the next steps for your research and its potential for commercialisation
- access to the ICURe expert team and proactive connection to the ICURe network of entrepreneurs, investors and funders
- training in commercial viability using tools such as the business model canvas and the value proposition canvas
- options roundabout training and a practice session, followed by a reflective presentation to a panel of experts at the in-person options roundabout
- completing the programme fulfils the prerequisite to apply for ICURe Explore, which offers up to £40,000 support for more extensive market exploration and customer discovery
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Past ICURe Discover participants say that having dedicated time to spend understanding what the commercialisation of research means has dramatically changed their perspective on their research, ideas and innovations.
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- Applications open: 01/11/2026
- Application workshops:
11/11/2026: Robert Gordon University and online – Register
9/12/2026: University of Aberdeen - Applications close: 04/01/2027
- Welcome call: 29/01/2027
- Bootcamp: 03 and 04/02/2027
- Options roundabout: 15/04/2027
- Location: Hybrid (University of Aberdeen for bootcamp and Robert Gordon University for options roundabout)
- Delivery partner: The Helix Way
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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) or equivalent commercialisation contact prior to applying. Please contact us if your university does not have a TTO or IP Manager and we will endeavour to help.
About our partners
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national economic development agency. It helps ambitious businesses to innovate and scale internationally, to transform the economy by focusing on new market opportunities through targeted investment, innovation and internationalisation.
Through the High Growth Spinout Programme (HGSP), it supports researchers to turn their ideas into commercial possibilities by awarding early-stage funding and support. As a partner of the North East Scotland ICURe Discover programme, Scottish Enterprise is enthusiastic to support this regional cohort, from which it is hoped new companies will emerge, building upon intellectual property and with the ambition to grow a company of scale through investment.
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen aims to inspire its staff and students to be enterprising and innovative, contributing to driving forward regional development and the economy of Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.
Through its championing of entrepreneurship and support for creating impact from excellence in research and teaching, the University enables its staff to create solutions to global problems, including through the creation of spin out companies. The University’s track record of success in spin outs includes companies that have participated in previous ICURe programmes.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is an innovative, inclusive, impactful and professionally focused institution focused on demand-led teaching and research.
The university is making significant investment to grow its globally impactful research in key areas including sustainable transport; built environment visualisation; industrial biotechnology; smart data and artificial intelligence; and pharmacy practice. Through prioritising strategic research partnerships, the university fosters excellence in knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. RGU is known for its close engagement with industry and has a significant track record in workforce development both nationally and internationally. Partnering on North East Scotland ICURe Discover reflects our commitment to collaborating with organisations, governments, trade bodies, industry associations and educational institutions to stimulate innovation and drive economic development.
North East Scotland Investment Zone
The NES Investment Zone is an ambitious statement of intent about the region’s economic potential, focusing on its strengths in the digital tech and green energy sectors.
Backed by up to £160m from the UK and Scottish Governments over the next 10 years, the Investment Zone will deliver a step change in innovation, infrastructure and company investment across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Tax sites in Peterhead and Aberdeen will attract new investors and growing indigenous companies with a range of tax reliefs and allowances, designed to accelerate growth potential and anchor industries of the future in the region. A range of projects, delivered by enterprise agencies, academic institutions, landowners and ports will create the economic infrastructure and ecosystems to turbo-charge growth and the creation of high value jobs, with a skilled workforce to match.
Application support and guidance
For full eligibility and application details please read the key dates, expectations and guidance document:
Key dates, expectations and guidance
