SURfACE ICURe Discover - January 2026 Application Workshop

SURfACE ICURe Discover – January 2026

A market discovery cohort exclusively for researchers at Post-1992 universities

Innovate UK SURfACE ICURe Discover is an invite-only ICURe Discover cohort, delivered by Midlands Innovation, tailored to support researchers and technicians from Post-1992 universities in exploring the commercial potential of their ideas.

This 8-week, part-time online programme provides structured support to help you investigate real-world markets, engage with potential users, and begin shaping your research for impact beyond academia.

About the workshop

This workshop will provide support to applicants to the SURfACE ICURe Discover programme who require additional assistance in completing their application form. Held by Midlands Innovation, the Delivery Partner for the programme, it will cover topics such as what makes a good ICURe application, key information to include in your applications and will allow attendees to ask questions of the delivery team.

About SURfACE ICURe Discover

This SURfACE ICURe Discover cohort is open exclusively to researchers and technicians from Post-1992 UK universities, particularly those with limited access to commercialisation infrastructure or experience.

Whether you're curious about how your research could meet a real market need or are considering a future spin-out, this programme is your first step.

Key Dates

· Applications open: 3rd November 2025

· Applications close: 15th December 2025 @ 23:59

· Application workshops (online): 10th & 11th November @ 12:30pm

· Bootcamp (online): 26th & 27th January 2026

What’s included

• Up to £2,500 support for testing assumptions and market discovery activities.
• Part-time market discovery spanning 8 weeks.
• 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

What you’ll gain

• A structured introduction to commercialisation and market validation
• Confidence to engage with external stakeholders and industry contacts
• Skills in customer discovery, problem–solution fit and opportunity framing
• Clarity on next steps, including spin-out, licensing or follow-on support