The Henry Royce Institute has partnered with Innovate UK ICURe to launch a new market-discovery programme helping UK researchers and technicians explore the commercial potential of advanced materials technologies.
Applications are now open for the Royce ICURe Discover Programme, an eight-week, part-time online programme designed to help researchers test potential markets, understand customer needs and identify promising commercial applications for their work.
The programme will provide successful applicants with up to £2,500 of support for testing assumptions and undertaking market-discovery activities. Participants will also receive specialist training, coaching and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and funders.
The call is open to researchers and technical research staff across eligible UK universities, public sector research establishments, research institutes and other research organisations who are actively involved in developing advanced materials technologies.
The programme will focus particularly on advanced materials technologies addressing net zero and clean energy applications. Areas of interest include:
- Green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, end use, monitoring and sensing.
- Materials recycling, reuse and closed-loop approaches.
- Resource recovery from waste generated during manufacturing processes.
- Technologies that reduce toxicity in industrial processes and treatments.
- Materials challenges associated with the water–energy nexus, energy storage and cooling.
- New applications for platinum group metals.
- Next-generation electronics, telecommunications and sensors.
Participants will begin the programme with a welcome call on 19 October 2026, followed by a two-day online bootcamp on 21 and 22 October. Further coaching, market-discovery and pitch-development activity will culminate in an Options Roundabout on 17 December 2026, where participants will present their findings and proposed route forward to a panel of experts.
Dr Ania Jolly, Head of Research and Business Engagement at the Henry Royce Institute, said:
Progressing an excellent research idea into a successful product, service or business requires more than just a strong technology. Researchers need the time, skills and support to understand where genuine market needs exist, to test their assumptions and identify the most promising routes forward.
“The Royce ICURe Discover Programme underscores our commitment to supporting the full journey that materials entrepreneurs take, from early laboratory research and market discovery through to commercial development and business creation.
“Just as importantly, it is an investment in people. By supporting talented researchers and technicians to develop their commercial confidence, networks and understanding, we can help them become more effective innovators and strengthen the UK’s advanced materials ecosystem for the future.”
Completion of ICURe Discover is a prerequisite for applicants wishing to progress to ICURe Explore, which offers up to £35,000 to support more extensive market exploration and customer discovery.
Applications close at 11:59pm on 18 September 2026.
Find out more and apply through the Royce ICURe Discover Programme funding page.
