ICURe
The Innovate UK ICURe Programme gives researchers the chance to turn ground-breaking research into investment-ready spin-out companies and license agreements. We provide funding and personalised support to test the commercial potential of an idea – while enabling researchers take their first steps into the world of business.
Find your market. Find your customers. Find yourself.
“Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research” (ICURe) is the UK’s leading early-stage research pre-accelerator programme. Since 2014, Innovate UK ICURe has helped researchers working in UK universities and research establishments to test if their idea could become a spin-out company or licensing opportunity. Researchers have brilliant knowledge and ideas but, usually, little experience of commercialising their projects. We provide the support, the training and the process to help researchers go on a journey of discovery – you will find out if your idea has market potential, if it has a ready customer base and if the world of entrepreneurship is right for you.
Find your market
ICURe gives researchers the chance to turn ground-breaking research into investment-ready spin-out companies and licence agreements. We provide funding and personalised support to test the commercial potential of an idea.
Find your customers
ICURe has helped create hundreds of investible spin-outs and licence agreements. Key to this is the training and support that helps founders identify customers and build traction with them. ICURe-supported projects have received around £500 million of additional investment through private investors, licensing agreements, follow-on funding and research grants.
Find yourself
ICURe helps researchers develop the skills, confidence and entrepreneurial mindset needed to transition successfully into the commercial world. Many participants go on to lead innovative UK spin-out companies, turning their research into impactful ventures.
ICURe pathways
STAGE 1
ICURe Engage
A 4-week, part-time programme which helps you identify who could benefit from your research, and the benefits of entrepreneurship.
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STAGE 2
ICURe Discover
An 8-week, part-time, online programme. Helps you find a market for your research, and how to apply your ideas.
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STAGE 3
ICURe Explore
A fast-paced, full-time, 12-week market exploration programme. Up to £35,000 for Entrepreneurial Lead’s salary and costs.
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STAGE 4
ICURe Exploit
A 12-week programme for teams recommended for spin-out. Provides intensive company formation and business growth support.
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See all ICURe opportunities
Most ICURe cohorts are open for applications from any technological or research area. However, some are specifically focused to help drive forward commercialisation in a particular branch of research and technology. Check out all of our opportunities below.
Explore opportunities
FOR INVESTORS
ICURe companies
Our projects feature some of the best new ideas coming out of UK research. They have gone through a rigorous due diligence and market testing process which means they are significantly de-risked from an investment perspective. In addition, the support we provide for entrepreneurial leads and their teams helps to further support their readiness for investment and to succeed in the wider commercial world. Projects which have come through ICURe are ready for serious consideration from investors interested in early stage R&D businesses.
See list of ICURe companies
FOR INDUSTRY
Insights for industry
ICURe connects SMEs and corporations with cutting-edge UK research, offering collaboration opportunities to commercialise industry-leading innovations. Participants succeed based on the quality of their ideas and their commercial ambitions. It means that we cover all UK regions and nations and all technology areas. If you wish to have access to the best new ideas and most talented researchers entering the world of commerce, ICURe needs to be on your radar.
We’ve taken about 15 projects through ICURe and have had three spin-outs that have been fantastically supported by the ICURe team. We’ve found that researchers have really engaged with the programme.
— Jessica Wenmouth, Head of Research Commercialisation, Lancaster University
ICURe was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I think it’s absolutely key that people get out of the lab and explore the market. ICURe has taught me a lot about the business side, talking the talk…it helps you grow in confidence.
— Dr Georgina Robinson, Entrepreneurial Lead, Scottish Association for Marine Science
It prompted us to start thinking about how we would transform a scientific idea into a business, and to help patients. It helped me transition from a post-doc position into a leadership position which is an experience people like me haven’t had before.
— Daniele Cervettini, Principal Scientific Advisor, The Francis Crick Institute
Get in touch
To find out more information about Innovate UK ICURe or if you have any specific questions about the programme, please don't hesitate to get in touch.