UKRI translation award funding helps move research from discovery towards application. It supports:
- early translation
- proof of concept
- entrepreneurship
- academic and industry collaborative research and development
This helps improve lives and supports companies to grow and scale in the UK.
The first step to commercialising your research is validating your idea. You will need to:
- understand if there is an opportunity or gap in the market
- know what your target market is and how to reach it
- understand and demonstrate the technical feasibility and financial viability of your intended new product, process or service
- develop a business or investment case to secure further investment and help reach your goal
Once you have defined these things you will be in a better position to decide on the right route for commercialisation.
Funding to validate your idea
The following opportunities are designed to let you explore early translation through initial market exploration and decide if there is a customer need for your idea:
- ICURe Engage is a four-week programme to explore the market, run regularly throughout the year
- ICURe Explore is a full-time, 12 week programme for research teams to explore technology applications through market engagement
- ICURe Discover offers part-time funding designed to support researchers and technicians in exploring their potential market
Impact acceleration accounts
Impact Acceleration Accounts and place-based impact acceleration accounts provide funding to research organisations to use for a range of commercialisation activities.
You should apply directly to your research organisation.
Last updated: 19 December 2025