QUBIS

Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe)

ICURe is Queen’s flagship programme, backed by Innovate UK. It enables researchers to validate markets, de-risk commercial opportunities, and secure investment. ICURe has been central to creating successful spin-outs and fostering strategic collaborations with industry.

• Backed by Innovate UK and delivered nationwide.



• Provides funding of up to £35,000 to test market potential.



• Helps researchers engage directly with customers, investors, and industry.



• Focused on de-risking innovation and validating commercial opportunities.



• Proven track record in creating successful spin-out companies.



• Builds the skills and confidence for investment readiness and scaling.



• Trusted framework with impact across UK universities and research institutions.

Programme Portfolio

The Innovation Programmes portfolio spans deep-tech acceleration, student and women’s entrepreneurship, cross-border collaboration, and leadership development. Each initiative is designed to unlock commercial potential, build entrepreneurial capability, and generate measurable impact.

Our current programmes include:

• ICURe (flagship) — Market validation and commercialisation support for research-driven ventures.



• Lab45 — Intensive support for deep-tech ventures on the path to investment and market readiness.



• inQUBate — Building entrepreneurial talent and student-led ventures at Queen’s.



• We Innovate (in partnership with Imperial College London) — Supporting women entrepreneurs to develop and scale their ideas.



• All-Island Innovation Programmes — Connecting leaders across Ireland to strengthen innovation capacity.



• The Ideation Society — A vibrant community fostering early-stage ideas and creative collaboration.



• Future Leaders Fellowship — Empowering outstanding researchers to become innovation leaders of the future.