Empowering women in research commercialisation

ICURe Discover for women entrepreneurs

In late 2024, the Innovate UK ICURe Programme demonstrated its commitment to inclusive innovation by launching a women-only ICURe Discover cohort. This initiative was designed to address the barriers that continue to hold back women in research commercialisation and spin-out leadership.

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in university spin-outs and innovation leadership. Challenges such as lower access to networks, lack of visible role models and limited time due to caregiving responsibilities often prevent women researchers from pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. ICURe Discover for Women Entrepreneurs was created to offer a more supportive starting point: a structured, flexible programme designed with these realities in mind.

Through a tailored, part-time format and expert-led support, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for women across the UK research community to explore the commercial potential of their research in a collaborative environment.

October 2025 cohort now underway

The October 2025 cohort is now live, with teams from across the UK, with researchers from University of Hull, Manchester Metropolitan University, City St George’s University of London, The Francis Crick Institute, Lancaster University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Bristol, University of Salford, University of Sheffield and Aston University non-research intensive and post-1992 universities. This reflects the growing momentum behind efforts to broaden access and enable more diverse routes into research commercialisation.

Delivered by the SETsquared Partnership, the eight-week online programme helps participants explore how their ideas could solve real-world problems, build commercial confidence and take practical steps towards launching impactful ventures. It is one of several ways ICURe is making entrepreneurship more accessible to underrepresented groups.

Building a pipeline of female-led innovation

Across ICURe Discover, Explore and Exploit, 26% of Entrepreneurial Leads (ELs) are women. ICURe recognises the importance of going further. The programme is committed to ensuring more women are empowered to take the first steps into commercialisation and are provided with the training, mentorship and networks needed to succeed.

Creating a space for confidence and connection

The cohort is intentionally designed to create a collaborative environment where participants can build confidence while exploring ideas. The first half of the programme is delivered entirely by an all-women team of ICURe coaches, helping foster openness and trust in the early stages.

Participant reflections

Past participants have praised the programme for its supportive format and real-world outcomes:

• Caroline Douglas from University of Hull described ICURe Discover for Women Entrepreneurs as “an incredibly supportive and structured programme. It gave opportunities to make industry contacts that I previously would not have been able to access… The atmosphere was both encouraging and exhilarating.”
• Jane Lewis from Cardiff University added “the feedback from customers and experts helped us build a strong commercial case… Our university selected us for UKRI Proof of Concept funding – and I wouldn’t have had the confidence to submit the Expression of Interest without completing ICURe Discover.”

Looking Ahead

ICURe Discover for Women Entrepreneurs forms part of a wider strategy to build a more equitable pipeline into commercialisation and spin-out activity, increasing the number of female Entrepreneurial Leads progressing into ICURe Explore and beyond.

If you are a woman in academia with an idea – or even just the curiosity to explore the possibilities – ICURe is the ideal place to start.

If you’re interested in hearing about future dedicated women’s cohorts, email the ICURe team at info@icureprogramme.com.

From early-stage exploration to spin-out creation, ICURe is helping female researchers shape a more inclusive and impactful future for UK innovation.