NAPIC (National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre) ICURe Discover is a part-time hybrid market exploration programme for researchers, technicians and research students, with up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities.
The NAPIC ICURe Discover programme aims to enhance Alternative Protein market awareness and deepen the understanding of potential technology applications in the sector.
Are you working on alternative proteins, novel ingredients or emerging food technologies with commercial potential?
Have you developed an early-stage innovation but need to understand who needs it, why they need it and whether they would use or buy it?
NAPIC ICURe Discover supports TRL 1–3 research teams to test their assumptions through customer discovery, market research, business coaching and sector-specific mentoring.
Move from “we think there’s a market” to “we have evidence there is”.
Applications from UK researchers working across the alternative protein space are welcome, including proteins from plants, insects, and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, precision fermentation, and cell cultured systems as well as hybrids/blends. Projects may relate to food, feed, or ingredient applications.
Applications must align with one or more of NAPIC’s Innovation Challenges and Focus Areas. They may be positioned around any of NAPIC’s four interdisciplinary knowledge pillars which together cover the entire value chain of alternative protein supply from production through to consumption.
This programme is part of Innovate UK ICURe’s wider mission to transform high-potential UK research into spin-outs and license agreements that create real-world impact.
NAPIC ICURe Discover is delivered through a combination of structured sessions, exercises, tasks, workshops, complemented by mentoring & business coaching. It commences with 2-day bootcamp and ends with a final in-person Roundabout Day where teams deliver their reflective presentations.
Application opens
1st June 2026
Webinar
2nd June 2026
Application deadline
7th Sept 2026
Bootcamp
29th Sept & 1st Oct 2026
Location: Hybrid
The NAPIC ICURe Discover Programme is fully funded for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. All training, mentoring, coaching, access to experts, and materials are provided at no cost. Programme provides support of up to £2,500 for testing assumptions and market discovery activities.
*Selected applicant will have to arrange their own travel & accommodation.
Limited spaces.
For group packages (3+ spaces), please contact [email protected]
Fee includes:
Director, Altmore Enterprise Ltd
Investment Director, Future Planet Capital
Director Bioeconomy, Health & Nutrition, Eagle Genomics Advisor, Jury Member & Mentor, EIT
Director & Co-Founder, Lunch.co
Principal, Sustainable Food Systems, ICOS Capital
Global Innovation Programme Manager, Kerry
Global Foods R&D Product Director, PepsiCo Laetitia
Group Director Strategy and Corporate Development, TREATT Director, May Contain Nuts
Chief Commercial Officer, Roslin Technologies
Food Tech/ Futures Lead, Lloyds Corporate & Institutional
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If you have a query please use the enquiry form to contact us or email [email protected].