Biofilms ICURe Engage – Applications Close 19 May 2025

Who is Biofilms ICURe Engage for?

Please note that this programme is open to NBIC partner universities only. Check to see if your university is an NBIC partner here.

The Biofilms ICURe Engage 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, based at NBIC research partner universities and who are interested in entrepreneurship. This opportunity is available regardless of whether you already have an innovative idea, as the programme introduces you to ICURe and provides the space and opportunity to think about entrepreneurship differently.

Your course of study, your idea and/or your research MUST be directly related to the biofilms sector or address a key biofilms challenge.

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.

We also welcome applications from individuals in:

• Universities who have not participated in the ICURe
• 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. 

Why attend?

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 provides the space and opportunity to consider research impact, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.

What is included?

2 Day online training bootcamp covering:

• Entrepreneurial Thinking
• The Language of Business
• Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing
• Introduction to Verbal Business Card and Value Proposition
• Impact and marketing testing online

3 weekly sessions covering:

• Value Proposition and your market
• Testing your Value Proposition
• Your video reflecting your learning.

All programme materials have been aligned with the EntreComp model.

• Engage provides a route towards other ICURe Programmes. (Please note Discover and Explore programme will require their own applications, there is no automatic entry if Engage is completed)

Programme dates 

• Notification of results sent to applicants: w/e Friday 23 May 2025.
• Online Bootcamp x 2 days: Wednesday 4 June and Thursday 5 June 2025 (9:00am to 4:00pm).
• Weekly Sessions x 3: Thursday 12 June, Thursday 19 June, Thursday 26 June: final session for video presentations (12:30pm to 2:00pm).

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

To fully benefit from the programme you should allocate approximately half a day of your own time in weeks 2-4 of the programme. 

Application Process

Before applying, we advise you to look at the application template to understand what information is required.

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 website before 23:59 on Monday 19 May 2025.

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