Shaping the Future of Life Sciences in North East Scotland: ICURe Discover Programme

Bridging the gap between research and commercial reality is one of the biggest challenges in innovation. Enabling scientists to turn research into real-world impact is made possible through the North East Scotland ICURe Discover – a programme designed to equip researchers with the tools, insight and environment they need to succeed, supported by the collaborative life sciences ecosystem and community at ONE BioHub.

Delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with ONE Life Sciences, the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, and Scottish Enterprise, ICURe Discover helps academic researchers explore the commercial potential of their ideas. A key part of that experience is access to ONE BioHub, where hot-desking provides a welcoming space to work, meet and connect ensuring programme participants are at the heart of the life sciences ecosystem.

With the 2026 programme about to come to a close, programme participant Sergio Dall’Angelo (Lecturer, Biosciences) provided insight from this year's North East Scotland ICURe Discover:

1.       What initially motivated you to apply for ICURe, and how does the programme differ from more traditional academic or research pathways?

We applied for the ICURe Discover programme to explore whether our idea/research output could have real world impact. The programme provided us with the opportunity to validate the commercial potential of our idea in a structured and supported environment.

The main difference from the academic pathway is the market pull approach, which is completely different, I would even say the opposite, from the academic way of thinking. You go out and interact with potential customers to understand their needs and verify whether your idea or technology can solve a problem that someone is willing to pay for.

2.       Looking back so far, what has been the most valuable or surprising part of the ICURe experience for you personally?

Probably the shift in mentality and perspective. Learning new skills and interacting with potential customers has been the most valuable part. I loved being able to verify whether our idea could really help solve the problem we thought it could solve.

3.       How has being based at ONE BioHub – even for hot desking, sessions or informal conversations – influenced your thinking around commercialisation, collaboration or next steps?

Being at ONE BioHub has been genuinely energising. Hot desking provides a safe space where I can focus on the programme. It really feels like an office away from the office!  And the coffee is great!

BioBuzz is also great for networking and for getting a feel for the commercialisation vibes.

4.       Would you encourage others considering ICURe and how would you describe the role that places like ONE BioHub can play in helping ideas move beyond the lab?

Absolutely, I would encourage anyone who thinks their research might have real world applications to consider ICURe. It is intense, but also hugely rewarding!

Innovators like ONE BioHub play a crucial role by providing the space, networks, and supportive ecosystem that help early ideas take shape. I would love to have the opportunity to hot-desk even when the programme is completed.

Programmes such as ICURe Discover play an important role in shaping North East Scotland’s innovation pipeline ensuring scientists are supported within a connected and collaborative ecosystem as they begin to commercialise their research.

Reflecting on the 2026 programme close, Dr Deborah O’Neil OBE FRSE, Chair of the ONE Life Sciences Board said:

“As the 2026 ICURe Discover programme comes to a close, it’s clear just how important this initiative has become for our region. Innovate UK, ONE and the University of Aberdeen partnered to pilot a regional ICURe Discover in Aberdeen in 2024. This year, we’re pleased to be joined by Robert Gordon University and Scottish Enterprise for the 2026 programme. ICURe plays a core role in the support available to academic entrepreneurs—helping them test ideas, build market insight and take first steps towards commercialisation. Rooted in the regional ecosystem, North East Scotland ICURe Discover is a powerful and distinctive part of the pathway from research to impact. I am looking forward to watching the participants make their final pitches at ONE BioHub on Tuesday.”

The 2026 ICURe programme culminated with final presentations by participants at ONE BioHub to a panel of experts including Deborah O’Neil, Susie Hastings, Scottish Enterprise, Elaine Kearney, University of Dundee and Abdo Alnabulsi, CEO of EpitoGenX.

Veronica Ferguson, Head of ICURe Regional Hub for Scotland, Innovate UK ICURe, said: “Now in its second year, the North East Scotland ICURe Discover programme highlights the strength of collaboration between Innovate UK and partners University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, ONE Life Sciences and Scottish Enterprise, in supporting researchers to explore their potential market. The cohort reflects regional strengths across life sciences, digital and technology and clean energy, with innovations spanning early disease detection, inclusive digital platforms and sustainable energy systems. By enabling teams to test assumptions and engage with their potential customers, the programme is strengthening a pipeline of opportunities that can progress into ICURe Explore, the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Programme and beyond, accelerating innovation and long-term economic growth in the North East of Scotland.”