The BBSRC Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) Explore 2026 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) supports bioscience researchers in exploring the market potential of their ideas, increasing market awareness, and understanding applications of their technology. Eligible applicants include PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and other research staff from UK universities, BBSRC-funded institutes, and BBSRC-approved public sector research enterprises.
Projects should be biological in nature, interact with biological entities, involve biological processes, or address biological challenges. Focus areas include:
- Agriculture and food
- Healthy ageing
- Engineering biology
- Industrial biotechnology
- Innovative tools and technologies underpinning biological research
The programme provides up to 35,000 GBP in funding. The funding allows teams to test value propositions, engage with potential customers, receive mentoring from business advisers, and participate in a four-day intensive bootcamp.
Applications close on February 6, 2026.