The BBSRC scheme that helps researchers road-test potential commercial outputs
Top tips
- The BBSRC Icure Explore scheme is for bioscience innovations, but ‘bioscience’ is given a wide definition.
- Set out clearly how your technology addresses a specific problem.
- Do not use too much space on the detail of the technology itself.
- Some market research groundwork is expected before applying.
- It is important that bids show applicants’ motivation.
The Icure programme (stylised as "ICURe") was set up by the government in 2013 to provide business training to teams of university researchers looking to develop their research outputs in the commercial arena. Since then, the programme, which is mainly funded by Innovate UK, has worked with several partners including the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).