About ICURe Discover

This programme aims to enhance market awareness and deepen the understanding of potential technology applications.

Our part-time online market discovery programme is developed using the lean startup methodology, which applies the scientific method (hypothesise, test, learn) 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 discovery.

ICURe Discover supports researchers across all disciplines and any stage of early-stage research-led commercialisation. It is delivered with the support of expert mentors, the wider ICURe network and three regional delivery partners.

Discover is available in two delivery formats. Both share the same 75-hour commitment, the same up to £2,500 funding, the same training content and the same outputs. The choice between them is a matter of which rhythm fits a researcher’s circumstances.

ICURe Discover

8 to 11 weeks part-time, delivered online throughout. The 75-hour commitment is spread across the programme, allowing participants to integrate market discovery around existing research and teaching responsibilities.

ICURe Discover Sprint

Three weeks intensive, with the same 75-hour commitment compressed into a shorter window. The format opens with a two-day in-person bootcamp, followed by approximately 40 hours of market discovery and customer conversations, online presentation training and a virtual Options Roundabout. ICURe Discover Sprint is designed for researchers in teaching-intensive roles, those at the end of a funding cycle and those looking to fast-track onto ICURe Explore cohorts later in the year.

Completion of Discover, in either format, fulfils the prerequisite to apply for ICURe Explore.

What’s included?

• Up to £2,500 support for testing assumptions and market discovery activities.
• 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.
• Development of an understanding of existing market offerings and the competitive landscape.
• A reflective presentation to a panel of experts to gain further traction for commercialisation plans.

Who should apply

ICURe Discover is open to:

• Researchers and technicians based at UK universities or eligible research organisations.
• Teams with a clearly defined idea, innovation or early-stage project.
• ICURe Discover is sector agnostic. Researchers from any discipline are eligible, provided the team has a defined idea worth testing.

Applicants must have support from their TTO or equivalent university commercialisation contact.

Why attend

Past participants tell us that ICURe Discover changes the way they think about their research. Rather than starting with the technology and looking for an application, they finish the programme with a clearer sense of who their work is for, what would have to be true for it to reach those people and what their next move should be.

A pathway towards future ICURe funding

ICURe 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.

Upcoming ICURe Discover cohorts

Cohorts of both formats are listed below in date order. Each entry confirms the format, the delivery partner, the key application and start dates and any in-person requirements.

Application guidance

For more information on eligibility, managing your IP and any other related questions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the ICURe team.