Biofilms ICURe Discover – Applications Close 8 May 2026

Online Information Session

Register here to join the online Biofilms ICURe Discover Information session on Tuesday 21 April 2026 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

About Biofilms ICURe Discover

Biofilms ICURe Discover is a part-time online market exploration programme for researchers and technicians, with up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities. It is a pre-requisite to attend ICURe Discover if you wish to apply for ICURe Explore.

This part-time online market discovery programme is developed using the lean startup methodology, which applies the scientific method (hypothesise, test, evaluate) to business ideas. Participants will learn how to use this approach to gauge their potential customers’ opinions about their idea, product, or service. This programme is suitable for participants looking to explore the potential of their early-stage projects or those who require a part-time commitment for market exploration.

Who is Biofilms ICURe Discover for?

Please note that this programme is exclusively open those working on biofilm related research.

The applicant’s institution must be an acceded NBIC partner university. Institutions that are not currently partners must be willing to become an NBIC partner university if their application is successful.

The Biofilms ICURe Discover programme is open to researchers at all levels of seniority, technicians and students from all disciplines undertaking research master’s degrees, PhDs, and Post-Docs.

Your course of study, your idea and/or your research MUST be directly related to biofilms and/or microbiomes or address a key challenge associated within these fields.

We also welcome applications from individuals in:

• Universities who have not participated in ICURe programmes
• Universities who do not receive HEIF
• Approved public sector research enterprises (PSREs).

We are committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from anyone who is eligible. 

What are biofilms and microbiomes?

Biofilms are made of numerous living micro-organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, evolving and growing as a collective. Microbial biofilms and communities are among the largest biomass activity centre on the planet, with an estimated 96% of microbes on Earth found in biofilms.

Biofilms are central to our most important global challenges – from infections, antimicrobial resistance and food safety to water security, marine biofouling and corrosion and exert significant economic, social, and environmental impacts estimated at $5 trillion per annum. Find out more about the global economic significance of biofilms here.

Technological approaches may span detection, prevention, engineering, management, or utilisation of biofilms. The programme also welcomes ideas that intersect with emerging microbiome markets, where understanding and manipulating microbial communities can unlock new commercial opportunities.

Why attend?

Discover is now a compulsory route into the ICURe Explore Programme. Past participants say that having dedicated time to spend understanding what commercialisation of research means has dramatically changed their perspective on their research, ideas, and innovations. The programme introduces ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think differently about impact, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship. 

A pathway towards future ICURe funding

Biofilms ICURe Discover participants will have the opportunity to apply for the ICURe Explore programme and secure up to £35,000 of grant funding to carry out more extensive market exploration and customer discovery.

What is included?

• Support to carry out market and customer discovery on a part-time basis over an 8-week period
• Half-day workshops, following a pre-course briefing with our team of experts
• Flexible online delivery  
• Hearing from guest speakers related to Biofilms, who will share their learning and experiences from their ICURe journeys
• Introduction to Strategyzer Business Model Canvas (BMC)  
• Trainer, mentor, and peer feedback with next steps guidance following your ICURe Discover journey
• Up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities 

Programme dates

Participants will be expected to attend all sessions scheduled above and should hold these dates in their diary when applying.

Application process

Please complete the application form clearly and concisely. Sections with * must be completed.

Before submitting your application, please ensure both your superior and, if possible, your Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is aware and supportive of your application and therefore programme attendance.

How to apply

Apply via the ICURe LaunchCan application portal before 23:59 on Friday 8 May 2026. Please note that you will be prompted to enter your email address and will receive a verification code before you can proceed to the application form.

If you require further information please contact both: icure@setsquared.co.uk and nbic@biofilms.ac.uk