Pursuing an academic career alongside surgical training is challenging, possibly never more so than now. In recognition of this, the NIHR Academy approved an Incubator for Advanced Surgical Technology  (ASTI) with the aim of identifying and overcoming barriers to progression for career surgical researchers, as well as those from the wider theatre team (including nurses and ODPs). A national network of specialists and trainees, as well as representatives from engineering (especially robotics), industry and patient groups has been established and subgroups have worked to identify what can be done to improve things for those at every stage of career development. The Incubator also acts as a resource for information, mentorship and education and seeks to build cross-disciplinary links and join up those surgical researchers who feel isolated. Feedback on this talk will help shape the direction of the Incubator over the next two years.