FAQs

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What stage should my company be at to qualify for the programme?

Retincubate will provide opportunities for growth no matter what stage you are at. As long as you have an innovative idea that meets a need in the current clinical landscape, you’ll gain something from this programme. Preference will however be given to companies raising money at pre-seed and seed level for their retinal disease innovations. The programme will be relevant to biotech, medical device and medical instrument sectors, and also non-ophthalmology companies with potential retinal indication looked to enter the retinal disease space.

 

What time commitment is required?​

For the first three months, there will be a maximum of one session per week lasting for up to two hours. These will be held virtually to accommodate experts and attendees from the US, EU and further afield and, pending consent from individual speakers, will be recorded and made available to attendees afterwards. After this, you’ll work with your mentor at times that work for both of you. When it gets to October, you will be expected to attend Retinovate where you will pitch your idea or company using what you have learnt. Retinovate will be a three-day conference taking place on Monday 5th – Wednesday 7th October 2025. The crucial day to be there to pitch will be Tuesday 6th October, but we recommend that you stay for the full meeting if at all possible. It will be worth it! Retinovate has also been timed to coincide with World Sight Day, Thursday 9th Oct 2025. In Belfast, World Sight Day is marked by an excellent meeting arranged by clinicians and researchers in Queen’s University Belfast. These meetings are packed with the latest in vision research, but more than that, every year they serve to remind us why we do what we do, as we hear from those on the frontline of improving vision outcomes globally.

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What do FlowCo or any of the other partners get in return?

We do not take any equity and the IP stays firmly with the companies that join us. There is also no contract or onus on the participants to use services or offerings directly from any of our experts or mentors for your future development. We are passionate about sharing expertise in vision research, and we also look forward to building strong relationships with emerging Biotech leaders that might improve the strength of any future collaborations.

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When is the application due?

Applications open with our launch at World Sight Day 2024, on Thursday 10th October, and close again on 01st December to allow us to finalise the 2025 cohort. Submit your application here to be considered.

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All I have right now is an idea, will the course be useful to me?

Absolutely. The Retincubate program will be like a roadmap of steps that you’ll need to undertake to bring your idea forward and will put you in an excellent position to get started. You’ll go away with a list of brand-new contacts in the industry at the very least. But here’s all the other ways the course will help:

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1. Idea refinement:

   • Work with experienced mentors to refine and validate your idea, ensuring it addresses a significant unmet need in retinal disease treatment.

2. Market research:

   • Gain insights into the retinal therapeutics market, helping you understand the landscape, identify opportunities, and tailor your idea to meet market demands.

3. Proof of concept development:

   • Access resources and guidance to help you create initial prototypes or proof-of-concept models, turning your idea into a tangible product.

4. Funding opportunities:

   • Explore funding options available to early-stage ideas, including grants, seed funding, and investor connections facilitated by the accelerator.

5. Educational workshops:

   • Participate in workshops and training sessions that cover essential topics such as intellectual property, regulatory requirements, and commercialization strategies.

6. Mentorship and coaching:

   • Benefit from one-on-one mentorship and coaching from industry experts who can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific needs and challenges.

7. Networking:

   • Connect with other innovators, investors, and industry professionals who can offer support, collaborate on projects, and provide valuable feedback on your idea.
      

Our accelerator program is designed to add value at every stage of your professional journey, including to nurture early-stage innovators, helping you take your idea from concept to reality. By providing you with the knowledge, resources, and network you need, we aim to empower you to develop a clear vision for your idea's scalability and market potential.

 

I have a few years of experience now, what can Retincubate offer me?

Even with a few years of experience, our accelerator course can provide you with significant benefits and opportunities to further advance your career and your innovative project. Here’s how our program can support you:

1. Advanced mentorship:

   • We’ll pair you with your mentor based on your experience level or particular pain point. This means you’ll get the most relevant insights and guidance tailored to your specific stage of development.

2. Networking opportunities:

   • Connect with a wide network of investors, researchers, and industry professionals to form strategic partnerships and collaborations that can propel your project forward.

3. Exposure and visibility:

   • Increase your visibility within the industry through participation in high-profile events, conferences, and showcases organised by the accelerator, such as Retinovate 2025.

4. Skill enhancement:

   • Participate in advanced workshops and training sessions to further hone your skills in areas such as leadership, project management, and investor relations.

5. Peer support:

   • Join a community of like-minded innovators and peers who can offer support, share experiences, and collaborate on overcoming common challenges.
      

Our accelerator program is designed to add value at every stage of your professional journey, helping you to refine your vision, enhance your skills, and accelerate the development of your retinal therapeutic innovation. Whether you're looking to scale your project, gain strategic insights, or connect with key industry players, our program offers the tools and support you need to succeed.