Developed by the University of Warwick, through the Forging Ahead project, IP 2 SME offers an alternative route to commercialisation by enabling researchers to work directly with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Together they can explore licensing opportunities for their research, test and validate market applications and accelerate pathways to commercial impact.
This is done through a 6-month, part-time secondment with the partner SME – fully funded through the Forging Ahead project.
The pilot – which ran through the spring of 2026 – focused on how early engagement between researchers and SMEs could support the commercial development of intellectual property (IP).
A successful pilot
By utilising existing relationships between research groups and their industry partners, participants were encouraged to assess market need and pull, refine the IP’s commercial, technical value proposition, and identify viable routes to market.
A particular benefit of the programme has been its support for Early Career Researchers (ECRs), helping them understand the value of intellectual property and how that value can be translated into real-world market applications through focused collaboration with SMEs.
How industry collaboration can drive innovation
One of the organisations that participated in the pilot was DineticQ, which partnered with postgraduate researcher Sarah Worsdale to explore opportunities for expanding the application of its technology.
Drawing on her expertise in strength and conditioning, Sarah investigated how DineticQ's platform could evolve beyond biomechanical analysis to incorporate physical screening, strength and conditioning recommendations, and injury prevention strategies. The project examined how these additional capabilities could complement the company's AI-driven bowling analysis technology, supporting a more comprehensive approach to athlete development and long-term performance.
Reflecting on the experience, DineticQ highlighted the value of programmes that bring academia and industry together to address real-world challenges.
"Programmes like Forging Ahead provide an excellent platform for translating academic expertise into practical commercial innovation. They create opportunities for researchers and businesses to tackle real-world challenges together while accelerating the journey from ideas to impact.
The company also praised the support provided through the programme and the contribution made by Sarah throughout the project.
"We are proud to have been involved in the pilot and look forward to seeing the continued impact of the Forging Ahead programme in strengthening innovation across the region."
Applications close on 6th November 2026.
The cohort will run from January to June 2027.
Colin Morton, IP 2 SME Lead, University of Warwick
This new programme gives innovation-minded researchers the opportunity to evaluate their Intellectual Property, with a partner SME, in a focused market application area – and at the same time build their understanding of the commercialisation pipeline and potential routes to market and impact.’
It was great to support the pilot projects and I'm looking forward to seeing what new project opportunities arise from the full roll out.
Dan McKinnon, IP 2 SME pilot participant
IP 2 SME gave us the opportunity to develop our coating technology with a partner company. Working with industry allowed us to greatly accelerate the development of our prototypes and their route to market.
You can find out more and apply here: IP 2 SME | Forging Ahead | Loughborough University