Access funding
Our funding streams can help you develop your research, share your innovations and build a business that can have real-world impact on patients.
Start your entrepreneurial journey
Thinking like an entrepreneur can maximise the impact of your research. We’ll guide you on your entrepreneurial journey by helping you to build your network and learn the skills of an entrepreneur.
Discover more and start on your path through our entrepreneurial training programmes and webinars.
Available training to help you start your journey
Find out more about each of these programmes below or contact us to find out about other ways we can help.
Eureka Paediatric Oncology School
Spin-up Science Real World Translation Programme
ICURe Discover Programme
What: An 8-week part-time online market discovery programme designed to support participants to explore the market potential of their innovation. The programme generates market awareness and deepens the understanding of potential applications.
Who: Researchers or technicians looking to explore the market potential of their early-stage project and those requiring part-time commitment for market exploration.
When: Applications closed on 23 December 2024. Keep an eye on our website for updates on new application rounds.
Benefits of the ICURe Discover Programme
- Receive £2,500 to support market exploration activities.
- Take part in a 2 day bootcamp with part-time market discovery spread over 8 weeks.
- Learn from experts and connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and funders.
- Gain an understanding of the commercial viability of your innovation, the market potential and the competitive landscape for your sector.
More information here.
Impulse Programme
What: A 3-month action-learning programme to help researchers develop high potential technology and life sciences innovation into commercial propositions.
Who: Anyone interested in developing their technology.
When: First round of applications deadline: 3 February 2025. Second round deadline: 3 March 2025
This programme runs from 29 April – 11 July 2025
Benefits of the Impulse Programme
Receive expert industry mentorship who provide highly valuable guidance in the deep science, technology space.
Undertake three modules with follow-up support through masterclasses and alumni mentoring.
Receive one-to-one advice, with investor pitch sessions, market research, workshops, and networking.
Eureka Oncology School
What: Through a series of seminars, case studies and professional development sessions, researchers will be introduced to the value of translational medicine and strategies for its application in cancer research.
Who: Cancer Research UK-funded Fellows and Junior Group Leaders
When: Next round of applications to be announced.
Benefits of Eureka Oncology School
- Articulate how a translational approach to scientific research can speed up the development of new ideas to improve the lives of people living with cancer
- Describe the critical role of patients in translational research and list ways of engaging with them in the process
- Define the basic knowledge and skills required in translating your research
- Grow your professional network of translational researchers
Spin-up Science Real World Translation Programme
What: A one-day, virtually-delivered crash-course in learning how to identify opportunities for translation, the routes to commercialise and how to secure the resources you need to translate your research towards delivering patient benefit. There is no requirement to already have a discovery you want to translate.
Who: PhD students and post-docs, as well as anyone interested in research translation.
When: Choose from one of 3 dates.
- 12 February 2025
- 26 March 2025
- 14 May 2025
Benefits of the Spin-up Science Real World Translation Programme
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the process to transform discoveries into practical applications or products
Learn to evaluate the potential impact of groundbreaking ideas
Cultivate a proactive entrepreneurial and innovation-driven mindset
Hone soft skills essential for rallying support and spearheading projects
No requirement to already have a discovery you want to translate.
Bio-Spark Exploring Fellow Programme
What: An opportunity to experience research translation outside the lab by delving into the entrepreneurial ecosystem within pharma, biotech and venture investment through visits, networking, presentations and more.
Learn more about the programme here.
Who: Early-stage cancer researchers (late-stage PhDs or Postdocs). However, anyone who is interested in the opportunity can apply.
When: The programme runs from November 2024-June 2025.
Applications are now closed. Keep an eye on our website for updates on the next applications round.
Benefits of the Bio-Spark Exploring Fellow Programme
- Partner company engagement opportunities
- Speed-networking with mentors from biotech, pharma and investment
- Networking with entrepreneurs and industry in Cambridge
- Visits to company partners
- Start-up pitch showcase
- Limited travel bursary for five places
Eureka Paediatric Oncology School
What: Through a four-day intensive course of interactive sessions, keynote talks and personalised mentoring, researchers will explore the key concepts on translational medicine for childhood and young adult oncology.
Who: Clinicians, junior group leaders, senior post-docs or equivalents.
When: Application deadline 13 January. The programme runs from 30 April to 3 May 2025.
Benefits of Eureka Paediatric Oncology School
- Confront real-world challenges and obstacles through practical case studies
- Receive personalised mentoring by experts in childhood and young adult cancers
- Hone communication skills effectively to convey complex scientific concepts
- Navigate the complex landscape of childhood and young adult translational oncology
Broadening Horizons Mentoring Programme
What: Broadening Horizons is a cross-sector mentoring programme jointly funded with The Wellcome Trust. This programme is designed to support, develop and empower early-career cancer researchers who are interested in translational research.
Who: Postdocs and junior group leaders based in the UK
When: Next round of applications to be announced.
Benefits of the Broadening Horizons Mentoring Programme
- Raise awareness of the skills and mindset needed to translate discoveries into practical applications for societal benefit
- Connect with mentors from industry, policy and the third sector
- Gain exposure to opportunities in research translation and gain tools, knowledge and guidance to further your own goals for your research
Our community of entrepreneurs
Are you interested in connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and scientists? We're building a community through events, networking and other opportunities.
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Find out how we can help you make an impact
We can identify the right entrepreneurial support for you.