The helix Way

Transforming Construction Impact Programme

An online programme for ISCF Transforming Construction projects from Innovate UK

This is a game-changing 10 week online programme that will guide you through the process of identifying the impact and commercial potential of your ISCF Transforming Construction project. The programme builds a comprehensive understanding of how your project can deliver impact and commercial potential with direct engagement from industry using a proven and highly effective market discovery process.

How Does It Work?

The programme is designed using the lean start-up methodology. Lean start-up takes the scientific method (hypothesise, test, evaluate) and applies it to business ideas. You will learn how to use this approach to test what your potential customers and industry partners think about your idea, product or service.

Past participants say that the programme has dramatically changed their perspective on how to engage effectively with industry and build a compelling impact and business case for future research and innovation projects. See here for a link to past projects.

What Does It Include?

£2500 for market discovery activities + £1200 towards Business Advisor support

Offers a pathway towards a further £30,000 of ICURe funding plus follow-on funding support.

Game changing online delivery

Our online delivery means that you can contribute to the programme flexibly at times that suit you.

Access to experts in bringing research to market

You will have weekly access to our team of experts and we will proactively connect you to our network of entrepreneurs, investors and funders.

Market Explorer

We will create a personalised report which includes data about your potential customers, competitors and suppliers plus a comprehensive overview of the intellectual property landscape for your sector.

Bootcamp Training

2-day online bootcamp where you will learn how to talk about your technology to customers, develop a hypothetical business model and identify your customers’ pain points. 

10-week Market Validation

You will plan and execute 10 weeks of tailored customer discovery for your idea, product or service using online software, videoconferencing and marketing tools. You will receive weekly 1-hour coaching clinics from experts in taking research ideas to market.

Pitch training

1-day online pitch training to teach you how to pitch your ideas to potential customers and investors. 

Options Roundabout Pitches

The opportunity to pitch to an experienced panel of funders, stakeholders and investors to help accelerate the impact from your research. 

Who is eligible?

There are limited spaces for the current cohort. As a result, eligibility is restricted to academic-led research teams in receipt of funding from the ISCF Transforming Construction Challenge. However, if you have an innovation or research project that you believe would be relevant to the Transforming Construction agenda please get in touch separately via the ‘Ask a question’ button at the bottom of the page and we would be happy to discuss options with you. 

A pathway towards future ICURe funding

Our past Lean Launch Programme participants have gone on to secure a minimum of £30,000 of ICURe funding grants and launch their businesses. 

Read about their journeys here!

How Do I Apply?

Please fill out the the application form

Have you got questions about the programme?

We’d love to hear from you with any questions you have about the programme or how it works.