NS&D Dual Use ICURe Discover is open to researchers and technicians, including post-docs, PhD students and research master’s students, based at UK universities and eligible research organisations. Applicants should have a clearly defined idea or early-stage project in a dual-use area: technologies or systems with both civil and military applications. Your research does not need to have started in defence to be in scope.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• artificial intelligence
• autonomous systems
• behavioural science
• communications
• cyber
• materials
• medical
• threat reduction
• cross-portfolio and system enablers

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

The programme includes:

• up to £2,500 support for testing assumptions and market discovery activities
• part-time market discovery from January to March 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 £35,000 support for more extensive market exploration and customer discovery

Dual-use research often has more than one possible market, and the first route to use may not be clear at the outset. The programme gives you structured time and funding to test where your research could be used, with potential users and customers in defence and civil markets, before decisions about IP, licensing or spin-out.

Mentoring from members of the Ploughshare team brings experience of taking defence-originated technologies to market through licensing and spin-out companies.

Past 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.

• Applications open: 11/11/2026
• Applications close: 08/12/2026
• Welcome call: 21/01/2027
• Bootcamp: 1 & 2/02/2027 (in person)
• Bootcamp location: University of Warwick Conference Centre
• Options roundabout: 25/03/2027
• Programme delivery: Online
• Delivery partner: Midlands Innovation

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.