NERC-Innovate UK ICURe Discover programme
NERC-Innovate UK ICURe Discover programme supports researchers, technicians and students in exploring markets for early-stage research to develop its commercial potential and strengthen UK climate resilience.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 16, 2026, 12:00pm UK time (Webinar) | November 12, 2026, 11:59pm UK time (Application deadline) | January 13–March 17, 2027 (Programme)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2,500 for market discovery activities during a nine-week, part-time online programme
Summary: Supports market exploration of early-stage NERC-funded research with commercial potential to address climate adaptation and strengthen UK resilience.
Key Information: Applicants must have previously received NERC funding directly or been affiliated with NERC-funded programmes.
Description
NERC ICURe Discover is a nine-week, part-time online market exploration programme run through Innovate UK and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and delivered by SETsquared Partnership. It helps researchers, technicians and students explore the commercial potential of early-stage research, build market awareness and test customer opinions about an idea, product or service. Its lean startup methodology applies the scientific approach of hypothesising, testing and evaluating to business ideas.
The programme focuses on commercialising NERC-funded research through new or improved technologies, processes, products and services that strengthen the UK’s climate resilience. Relevant challenges include food security, water supply, transport, urban design, infrastructure resilience, community preparedness and physical risks for the finance sector. Participants receive workshops, market and customer discovery support, and feedback from trainers, mentors and peers.
