About EPSRC Clean Energy ICURe Engage
EPSRC Clean Energy ICURe Engage is one of the UKRI council pathway programmes running through 2026/27, delivered by Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with the EPSRC Clean Energy theme. The cohort is shaped around the research priorities of the theme, with examples, networks and onward routes tailored to the clean energy community.
The programme aims to identify potential beneficiaries of research, introduce participants to tools for commercialisation and foster consideration of entrepreneurship as a pathway for achieving societal impact and a viable career choice. It is an introductory, light-touch opportunity, available regardless of whether participants already have an idea. The programme introduces them to ICURe and provides the space to think about entrepreneurship differently.
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The EPSRC Clean Energy ICURe Engage programme is open to all research students (including those pursuing research master’s degrees, 1st or 2nd year PhD students, and post-Docs) as well as technicians who are interested in entrepreneurship who are working specifically within the fields of clean energy. These areas include, but are not restricted to, carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and greenhouse gas removal (GGR), heat pumps, Hydrogen, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion and wind (onshore, offshore and floating offshore). This opportunity is available regardless of whether they already have an idea, as the programme introduces them to ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think about entrepreneurship differently.
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:
- 2-day training bootcamp from Impact experts
- introduction to ICURe, ideation, design thinking, and value proposition canvas
- weekly hour-long conversations with peer group support and mentors for 3 weeks
- around 5 hours of self-study and research over the 3 weeks.
- consideration of how a venture delivering Impact may be funded
- production of a short video report reflecting on knowledge gained and research area impact potential
All programme materials have been aligned with the EntreComp model.
ICURe Engage provides a route towards other ICURe Programmes.
Please note ICURe Discover and ICURe Explore programmes will require their own application, there is no automatic entry if ICURe Engage is completed.
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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.
Our pioneers get access to leading university resources, and fantastic networks of mentors and investors who join them early on their journey. We’re de-risking very exciting technologies which have enormous potential to change the world for the better.
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Applications open: 21/09/2026
Applications close: 19/10/2026
Start date: 05/11/2026
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.
Application support & guidance
If you need more information about how to apply, please read our funding support pages. For additional support, reach out to our team of innovation experts who are ready to help you navigate the application process and maximise your chances of success.
Download key dates, expectations and guidance
