BBSRC Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe)

Type of funding: Grant Funding

BBSRC ICURe Explore trains, funds, and supports research teams to determine whether there is a market for products or services that utilise their bioscience-based ideas, research, science, and technologies.

Funding is available to ‘get out of the lab’ and validate commercially promising ideas in the marketplace. The training and support activities are carried out in a blended format, providing accessibility to a wide range of applicants.

Deadline: 15/01/2024

Eligibility criteria:

BBSRC ICURe Explore is open to research teams in all UK universities, BBSRC-funded institutes and approved public sector research enterprises (PSREs).

BBSRC ICURe Explore teams are composed of four individuals:

Entrepreneurial lead
Any research or technical research staff member, including, but not limited to, PhD student, technician, PDRA, fellowship and group leader positions, who receives their salary or stipend from an eligible university, PSRE or institute. This individual must be able to commit full-time for the duration of the
programme starting the week of the bootcamp, and have approval of their institute, organisation, or funder.

Associated science advisor
A researcher who can provide intellectual support to the entrepreneurial lead throughout the course of the programme. For example, an interdisciplinary project may require input from outside the research group.

Technology transfer representative or professional
An individual from the team, either from or contracted to the research organisation, leading on the commercialisation of the intellectual asset with appropriate technology transfer expertise.
This individual must be able to attend essential bootcamp sessions as well as the options roundabout, provide support for the entrepreneurial lead and team during the programme, provide continued support for further commercialisation activity following the programmes conclusion

Business adviser
A motivated individual from a relevant industrial sector who can offer expert guidance and support. Teams are strongly encouraged to name a business adviser in their application. Please contact the ICURe administration team if identifying a suitable advisor is a barrier. Teams are responsible for any agreements or financial arrangements that may be needed with their business advisers.

Further information can be found here.