About FLF ICURe Engage
Future Leaders Fellows (FLF) ICURe Engage aims to identify potential beneficiaries of research, introduce participants to tools for commercialisation, and foster consideration of entrepreneurship as a pathway for achieving impact and a viable career choice.
The programme is open to UKRI Future Leaders Fellows from all disciplines. This is an introductory, light-touch opportunity, available regardless of whether there is already an adoptable idea; the programme introduces researchers to ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think about entrepreneurship differently.
If you have any further questions, please direct them to ciaran@thehelixway.com
FLF ICURe Engage is a pilot programme delivered in partnership between the Innovate UK ICURe programme and UKRI.
-
The FLF ICURe Engage programme is open to Future Leaders Fellows based at academic institutions and other eligible non-industry host organisations. Places are limited to 30 participants and, where applications exceed the number of available places, prioritisation may be applied with particular consideration given to where participation is likely to add the greatest value. ICURe is designed to explore the commercialisation of university research. Fellows working in business are therefore not eligible to participate.
Applicants must commit to attending every session.
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
-
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
All programme materials have been aligned with the EntreComp model.
ICURe Engage provides a route towards other ICURe Programmes.
Please note there is no automatic entry to ICURe Discover and ICURe Explore programmes. This requires the submission of separate applications and to apply to ICURe Explore, you must have completed ICURe Discover.
-
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.
-
Applications open: 05/10/2026
Online briefing session: 13/10/2026 – Register for session
Applications close: 09/11/2026
Start date: 17/11/2026
Location: Online
Delivery partner: The Helix Way -
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
For further information please read the Key dates, expectations and guidance document.
Download
