Our Programme

Maximise the impact of your research or innovation by applying for our 2025 programme.

Designed to support university staff, students and recent graduates from across Scotland, our programme provides the knowledge, expertise and connections you need to develop and grow a thriving, sustainable business.

Our Expertise

Since 2011, we’ve partnered with Scotland’s universities to empower hundreds of academic innovators to translate their research into impactful businesses. As the only organisation of its kind working across Scotland’s university sector, we specialise in supporting academics on their journey to becoming successful entrepreneurs through a blend of bespoke business training, professional connections, funding and peer-to-peer support.

Training from real-world entrepreneurs
Access to professional networks
Equity-free cash prizes for top projects
Be part of a diverse cohort from across Scottish universities

Our Challenges

Our Programme consists of four Challenges tailored to your stage of development, sector and mission.

Converge
  • £98k prize fund
  • Projects based on innovative IP

Converge Challenge is open to high-calibre, innovative projects with serious growth potential. If you have a ground-breaking business proposition, this is the challenge for you.

Find out more

Net Zero
  • £40k prize fund
  • Environmental impact

Designed to support the global drive to net zero, we welcome projects that can accelerate positive environmental impact in Scotland and beyond.

Find out more

Create Change
  • £50k prize fund
  • Creative, cultural and social impact projects

Open to social impact and creative entrepreneurs looking to change the world for the better.

Find out more

KickStart
  • £40k prize fund
  • Early-stage business ideas

KickStart Challenge is designed to test and validate your idea and to prepare you for the realities of entrepreneurship. Open to prospective start-ups and spinouts.

Find out more

Our Programme Schedule

Completing your application is just the first step. If you secure a place on our prestigious programme, you’ll join a cohort of 100 like-minded individuals, all dedicated to progressing their innovations and making a lasting impact.

2 April

Submit your application

The deadline for submitting your online application is Wednesday 2 April 2025 (12 noon).

2-5 June

Business training: Converge, Net Zero & Create Change

Delivered by our training experts, Entrepreneur Business School (EBS), our blended learning course will develop your business proposition and sharpen your knowledge & skills.

5 June

Pitching event

You’ll pitch to a live audience of investors and business influencers at our Inside Innovation event.

9-10 June

Business training: KickStart

Delivered by our training experts, Entrepreneur Business School (EBS), our blended learning course will develop your early-stage idea and sharpen your knowledge & skills.

31 July

Business plan submission

To progress in the programme, you’ll submit a business plan (Converge, Net Zero & Create Change) or business case (KickStart) by 12 noon on 31 July.

September

Investment training & investor pitch

If shortlisted, you’ll take part in investment training before delivering your final pitch to a prestigious panel of judges ahead of the Converge Awards.

2 October

Converge Awards

A night to celebrate Scotland’s academic innovation and announce our 2025 winners.

 

Special Prizes

With generous support from a group of sponsors, we are excited to offer our cohort the opportunity to win additional sector-specific prizes .

Learn more about them here.

Enterprise Support

Our expert team offers all year round support, including events, business workshops and confidential chats about your innovation.

Find out how we can help