About Biofilms ICURe Discover

Biofilms ICURe Discover is an eight-week, part-time programme, part-funded by NBIC and delivered by the SETsquared ICURe team, tailored for researchers, students and technicians of NBIC partner universities working in the field of biofilms and microbiomes. The programme aims to enhance market awareness and deepen the understanding of potential technology applications.

This part-time online market discovery programme is 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, or service. 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.

Please note it is a pre-requisite to attend ICURe Discover if you wish to apply for ICURe Explore or Exploit.

Who is Biofilms ICURe Discover for?

Please note that this programme is exclusively open to those working on biofilm-related research.

The Biofilms ICURe Discover programme is open to researchers at all levels of seniority, technicians and students from all disciplines undertaking research master’s degrees, PhDs, and Post-Docs, based at NBIC research partner universities.

Your course of study, your idea and/or your research MUST be directly related to biofilms and/or microbiomes or address a key challenge associated within these fields.

What are biofilms and microbiomes?

Biofilms are made of numerous living micro-organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, evolving and growing as a collective. Microbial biofilms and communities are among the largest biomass activity centre on the planet, with an estimated 96% of microbes on Earth found in biofilms.

Biofilms are central to our most important global challenges – from infections, antimicrobial resistance and food safety to water security, marine biofouling and corrosion and exert significant economic, social, and environmental impacts estimated at $5 trillion per annum.

Find out more about the global economic significance of biofilms.

Technological approaches may span detection, prevention, engineering, management, or utilisation of biofilms. The programme also welcomes ideas that intersect with emerging microbiome markets, where understanding and manipulating microbial communities can unlock new commercial opportunities.

We also welcome applications from individuals in:

• Universities who have not participated in ICURe programmes
• Universities who do not receive HEIF
• Approved public sector research enterprises (PSREs)

We are committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from anyone who is eligible.

A pathway towards future ICURe funding

Biofilms Discover Programme participants will have the opportunity to apply for the ICURe Explore programme and secure up to £35,000 of grant funding to carry out more extensive market exploration and customer discovery.

What is included?

• Support to carry out market and customer discovery on a part-time basis over an 8-week period.
• Half-day workshops, following a pre-course briefing with our team of experts.
• Flexible online delivery.
• Hearing from guest speakers related to Biofilms, 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.

Applications open: 14 April 2026
Applications close: 8 May 2026 @ 23.59
Welcome call: 4 June 2026, 13:00 – 16:00
NBIC Summit: 6 and 7 July 2026
Options roundabout: 23 July 2026, 09:00 – 17:00

Please consult the key dates and expectations document for the full programme schedule as participants will be expected to attend all sessions listed in the document and should hold these dates in their diary when applying.