Please note that this programme is only open for those projects directly linked to the Turing Fellowships and / or the AI CDTs. Applications will be accepted from:

• any Turing AI Fellows – past or present
• any AI CDT academics, students and technicians
• academics working with/alongside a Turing Fellow, but the application must be supported by that Fellow

The EPSRC AI ICURe Discover Sprint programme is open to researchers at all levels of seniority, technicians and students from all disciplines undertaking master’s degrees, PhDs, and Post-Docs, based at universities and independent research organisations (IROs) across the UK and who are interested in entrepreneurship. This opportunity is available regardless of whether you already have an innovative idea, as the programme introduces you to ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think about entrepreneurship differently.

Your course of study, your idea and/or your research MUST be directly related to Turing Fellowships and / or the AI CDTs.

We also welcome applications from individuals in:

• universities who have not 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 enterprises (PSREs)

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

The programme includes:

• a structured 4-week intensive programme combining online sessions and an in-person bootcamp
• a 2-day in-person bootcamp to build your value proposition and plan customer discovery
• dedicated mentor support throughout, providing guidance, challenge, and access to networks
• practical, hands-on workshops focused on customer discovery and validation
• support carrying out market and customer discovery activity during the programme
• flexible delivery combining in-person and online sessions
• introduction to key tools including the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas (BMC)
• ongoing trainer, mentor, and peer feedback to guide next steps
• up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities

ICURe Discover is now a compulsory route into the ICURe Explore Programme.

ICURe Discover Sprint gives you dedicated time to step back from your research and test its real-world potential.

Through direct engagement with customers and stakeholders, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of where your work fits, how it could be used, and whether there is genuine demand. Participants often find it shifts how they think about their research – moving from ideas and outputs to impact, application, and opportunity.

Applications open: 07/12/2026
Applications close: 18/01/2027
Start date: 23/02/2027
Location: Hybrid
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 to as many applications as possible
• the application form may be accessed from the links on this website

If you have any further questions, please direct them to icure@setsquared.co.uk or use the contact form.