Henry Royce looking to advance commercial materials
The Henry Royce Institute is inviting UK researchers to explore the commercial future of advanced materials technologies.
The Royce ICURe Discover Programme is open for applications until 18 September 2026.
It is an eight-week part-time online programme to help researchers test potential markets, understand customer needs and identify promising commercial applications for their advanced materials work.
The programme will provide £2,500 of support for testing assumptions and undertake market-discovery activities.
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.
Participants will also receive specialist training, coaching and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and funders.
The call is open to researchers across eligible UK universities, public sector research establishments, research institutes and other 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 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.
The programme begins on 19 October 2026, followed by a two-day online bootcamp on 21 and 22 October.
Applications can be made online through the Royce ICURe Discover Programme funding page.
