KURK secures Innovate UK Grant for ground-breaking research with Swansea Medical School

5 ways to stay healthy in Winter (even in lockdown)

We’re proud to announce a major milestone in our journey as leaders in natural health solutions globally.

“This grant is simultaneously evidence of and further inspiration for our commitment to understanding KURK and its effect on inflammation.” said Dr. Harry Weisinger, Medical Director and longevity scientist.

KURK has been awarded a prestigious Innovate UK grant to advance research into our plant-based micelle-encapsulated curcumin, in partnership with Swansea Medical School and the ASTUTE Centre of Excellence. This marks a significant step forward in validating the science that powers KURK—and in our mission to deliver inflammation solutions without compromise.

Backed by research. Driven by results.

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties. But there’s a catch: in its natural form, curcumin is notoriously hard to absorb.

That’s where KURK’s micelle technology comes in. By encapsulating curcumin in a water-soluble structure, we’ve dramatically increased its bioavailability—up to 185x more effective than standard turmeric. The result? More curcumin gets to where it’s needed, with faster, more consistent results.

But improving absorption is just one piece of the puzzle. Accurately measuring what’s happening inside the body—and proving it—remains one of the biggest challenges in the supplement world.

“This project is about unlocking the full scientific and commercial potential of KURK,” said our Co-founder and CEO, Trent Scanlen. “By partnering with the world-renowned Swansea Medical school and ASTUTE Centre of Excellence, we aim to continue to lead natural inflammation management research globally."

Why it matters

This grant represents more than just recognition—it’s a vote of confidence in the power of smart, natural solutions.

With chronic inflammation linked to a wide range of modern health concerns—from joint pain to autoimmune conditions—the need for effective, evidence-based approaches has never been greater. KURK is committed to being part of that solution: grounded in science, inspired by real experience, and focused on helping people live stronger, for longer.

“This is a pivotal step toward scaling globally,” said Dr. Quinton Fivelman, Research & Development Director. “By overcoming the analytical challenges of encapsulated curcumin—and working with some of the world’s best analytical teams and equipment—we can deliver next-generation therapeutic supplements that are both scientifically validated and commercially scalable.”

Looking ahead

This project will allow us to strengthen every stage of KURK’s formulation process—from lab to bottle—ensuring even greater quality, stability, and scientific credibility.

“We’re entering a new era for plant-based therapeutics,” said Hannah Ratcliffe, Food Scientist and Production Director. “This partnership enables us to finally bridge the gap between promising natural ingredients and the rigorous scientific standards demanded by healthcare professionals, regulators, and consumers alike.”

At KURK, we believe in combining the best of nature with the rigour of science. This partnership is a significant step toward setting a new standard in inflammation support—one built on data, credibility, and real-world results.