MRC ICURe Discover Market Exploration Programme (United Kingdom)

MRC ICURe Discover is a 10-week, part-time online market exploration programme for researchers and technicians, delivered by Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC). The programme provides up to £2,500 to support market discovery activities using a lean startup approach. Applications open on 29 September 2026 and close on 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm. MRC ICURe Discover is a market exploration programme designed to accelerate research and innovation in diagnosis, advance treatment, and prevent human illness. It is part of UKRI council pathway programmes running through 2026/27 and is delivered by Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with the Medical Research Council. The programme uses the lean startup methodology and applies a scientific approach to business ideas (hypothesise, test, evaluate). Participants learn how to assess their potential customers’ views about an early-stage idea, product, service, or experience. MRC ICURe Discover is intended for researchers and technicians who want structured time to explore commercial potential on a part-time basis.

Important prerequisite: It is stated as a pre-requisite to attend ICURe Explore.

This opportunity offers financial support of up to £2,500 for market discovery activities. The programme also includes support and training, such as: The source does not specify other cost-sharing requirements, allowable costs, or exclusions beyond the stated purpose of testing assumptions and market discovery. Applicants should review the official guidance document linked on the opportunity page for any additional terms.

MRC ICURe Discover is open to:

Eligibility is for organisations working across the full breadth of MRC’s remit, specifically including: The opportunity is open to all researchers working within MRC’s remit, irrespective of funding source. The programme particularly welcomes applications from individuals in: If you are unsure whether your technology or research fits these sectors, the source advises contacting [contact details removed]. The programme is intended for market discovery that supports early-stage commercialisation of research within MRC’s remit, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human illness. Supported areas (as described) include market and customer discovery related to: MRC ICURe Discover is designed to help researchers and technicians move from a research idea toward clearer evidence about market needs and customer perspectives. It provides structured time, workshops, and feedback to test assumptions using lean startup methods applied to innovation and commercialisation. The programme is also positioned as a compulsory route into ICURe Explore, making it relevant for teams planning next steps toward investment-ready outcomes and commercial agreements.

Official opportunity page: MRC ICURe Discover – December 2026 (Innovate UK Business Connect) Contact for questions: [contact details removed]

What is MRC ICURe Discover? MRC ICURe Discover is a 10-week, part-time online market discovery programme using the lean startup methodology, delivered by Innovate UK ICURe with the Medical Research Council (MRC), and supported by a delivery partner (SETsquared Partnership). How much funding is available? Financial support of up to £2,500 is available for market discovery activities (for testing assumptions and market discovery). Who can apply? UK universities and approved public sector research establishments (PSREs) can apply, with eligibility for researchers working within MRC’s remit, irrespective of funding source. Which locations are eligible? The opportunity page lists eligible locations across the UK: East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, North East (England), North West (England), Northern Ireland, Scotland, South West (England), Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. When do applications close?

Applications close on 30/10/2026 at 11: 59pm. The source does not specify the time zone.

What is the programme start date and duration? The programme starts on 03/12/2026 and runs for 10 weeks, delivered online on a part-time basis. How do I apply? Applicants must submit the online application form (accessible from the opportunity page links). The source states the application asks questions about you and your research project, and that you must have engaged with your TTO and Principal Investigator prior to applying. If you are a UK university or approved PSRE working within MRC’s remit and planning early market discovery, review the Key dates, expectations and guidance document on the official opportunity page and ensure your organisation has engaged the relevant Technology Transfer Office and Principal Investigator. Then complete the online application before 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm using the steps outlined in the guidance.