Your innovation could
redefine the future.
Our 2025 programme is now open for applications.
Empowering academic entrepreneurs
We work with Scotland’s universities to empower staff, students and graduates to transform academic research and innovation into real-world solutions. Through collaboration, we harness expertise, knowledge and connections to support the creation of impactful businesses that contribute to a more sustainable future.
We’re looking for 100 aspiring academic innovators with cutting-edge ideas, research or innovation to take part in our transformative programme and drive real-world impact. Open to staff, students and recent graduates with applications accepted until 2 April. Learn more.
Our expert team helps future founders from academia navigate their first steps into entrepreneurship including bespoke business workshops and skills development as well as one-on-one enterprise support. Learn more.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our case studies, podcasts and videos featuring people who have bridged the gap from academia to real-world businesses. Learn more.
Our track record
Established in 2011, Converge was launched to develop and support the pipeline of new businesses in Scotland based on university IP, innovation and talent.
- Backed by Scottish universities
- Supported by industry leaders
- 800+ aspiring entrepreneurs trained
- 425+ businesses supported
- which have raised £450m+ in follow on funding
- with an 80% average survival rate after 3 years
“Converge plays a vital dual role across Scotland’s universities by championing innovative business ideas whilst nurturing entrepreneurial talent in an academic setting. For budding founders it provides support, business networks and an invaluable and proven first stepping stone into entrepreneurship”
Ana Stewart, Tech Entrepreneur and Investor
Stories worth sharing
Meet some of our alumni and the innovations that are shaping our world.
Carbogenics
Case study
Carbogenics, a spinout from the University of Edinburgh, specialises in transforming secondary biomass into CreChar®, a carbon-rich, porous material.
Dxcover
Case study
Dxcover, a spinout from the University of Strathclyde, is pioneering a new blood test that can rapidly detect brain tumours allowing for early diagnosis.
Nebu~Flow
Case study
Sounds can make you laugh, they can make you cry, they can make you sing – and, thanks to Nebu-Flow, they could soon also help people with conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Fantasy Fibre Mill
Case study
The current global fashion industry is an exploitative and extractive system that pollutes the environment at every step in the supply chain. Rosie Bristow of Fantasy Fibre Mill wants to build a viable alternative.
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