TMF AI ICURe Discover - June 2025

About TMF AI ICURe Discover

Funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, TMF AI ICURe Discover aims to enhance market awareness and deepen the understanding of potential technology applications and its barriers to adoption.

TMF AI ICURe Discover is designed to help researchers translate their responsible and trustworthy AI innovations into real-world use — with a focus on accelerating adoption in high-growth industries, healthcare and sectors where AI can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

It is a part-time online market discovery programme 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’ needs for their idea, product or service. This programme is suitable for participants looking to explore the adoption potential of their early-stage projects, where they already have an idea of who might adopt their technology and why.

What’s included

• Up to £2,500 support for testing assumptions and market discovery activities
• Part-time market discovery spanning 8 weeks
• Training on how to gather market feedback that indicates the next steps for your research and potential for commercialisation
• Access to our team of experts; we will proactively connect you to our network of entrepreneurs, investors and funders
• Training in commercial viability using tools such as the Value Proposition Canvas
• Develop an understanding of existing market offerings and competitive landscape for your sector
• Give a reflective presentation to our panel of experts and gain further traction for your commercialisation plans

TMF AI ICURe Discover requirements

TMF AI ICURe Discover bootcamp will take place on the 25th and 26th June 2025. The programme will end on 21st August 2025 with teams delivering their reflective presentations. You will need to be available for the entire two-day bootcamp, pitch training and presentation day but can be flexible with the rest of your involvement (75 hours self-study and 5 hours meeting with mentors).

Why attend?

Past participants say that having our training, support and dedicated time to spend on customer discovery has dramatically changed their perspective on their innovation.

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.

Who is eligible?

TMF AI ICURe Discover is open to all researchers and research students of UK universities and approved public sector research establishments (PSREs) who are funded by UK Research Councils to deliver AI based research. We accept innovations from any discipline or background within these areas.

Key dates

• Applications open: 23/05/2025
• Applications close: 16/06/2025
• Start date: 25/06/2025
• Delivery partner: Midlands Innovation

For full eligibility and application details please read the key dates, expectations and guidance document.