Converge Searches for the Next Generation of Innovators

Converge 2021 is now open for applications and the race is on to find Scotland’s next generation of academic trailblazers!

Open to university staff, students and recent graduates across Scotland, we help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into commercial reality.  

Whether you’re an academic looking to commercialise your research or a student or recent graduate taking the start-up leap, we can guide you through the twists and turns of starting a new business with intensive business training and 1-2-1 support. You could even win game-changing, equity-free cash prizes to springboard your venture.

Open until 30 March, applicants can choose between four challenge categories:

Converge: for high-calibre, innovative projects with serious growth potential

Creative: for business ideas rooted in creativity, skill and craft, with the potential to develop into sustainable businesses in Scotland’s creative industries

Impact: for mission-led enterprises with a social or environmental cause at their heart

KickStart: for early-stage ideas on the first step towards commercialisation 

This year’s prize pot is our largest ever with £290,000 up for grabs. In addition to the main prizes, finalists across all four challenges will receive a smaller cash prize, providing a much-needed boost to progress their business ventures. 

Other reasons to apply include the chance to win two additional standalone awards: the Cisco Future Tech Award and the Royal Bank of Scotland Rose Award. Presented to individuals drawn from this years’ Converge, Creative and Impact Challenge cohorts, the prize packages include equity-free cash and invaluable in-kind business support. 

Despite the ongoing pandemic, we believe the appetite for entrepreneurship remains strong in Scotland.

Claudia Cavalluzzo, Converge Director comments;

“Visionary entrepreneurs see setbacks as opportunities so I’m confident we will see a new wave of incredible projects coming through this year.

If you think yours could be one of them, then don’t miss this opportunity to apply.  It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.”