Backing brilliant minds
Working in close collaboration with Scotland’s world-class universities, we support our most innovative thinkers on their entrepreneurial journey – giving them the tools, guidance, road maps, networks and funding to grow faster and with less heartache.
Our vision
We believe that entrepreneurial skills can be taught and that everyone – regardless of their background, race or gender – should have the chance to realise their full potential.
That’s why our achievements go far beyond economic impact and include improved gender and BAME representation in the university entrepreneurial community.
Each year through our outreach programme, we engage with thousands of students, graduates and researchers to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, instil ambition and educate would-be university founders on the essentials of business.
Our Team
Say hello to our experienced, approachable team.
Adam Kosterka
Executive Director, ConvergeAdam joined Converge in 2017 having previously held a number of business advisor roles with Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise. He became Deputy Director in 2021 and was appointed to the role of Executive Director in December 2024.
Drawing on his expertise in supporting founders, business management and leadership, Adam spearheads Converge’s strategic growth plans which include enhanced support for sustainable business creation and increased focus on attracting international talent to Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.
Adam holds a Masters Degree in Business Management from Edinburgh Napier University and recently completed an MBA in Global Leadership Training at Heriot-Watt University.
Dr. Lissa Herron
Enterprise Manager - EastEnterprise Manager
Lissa heads up our Enterprise team and is responsible for the delivery of our outreach and training programme. As a Converge alumna, she has invaluable knowledge and expertise of the journey that our participants undertake, leveraging this insight to optimise alumni relations.
Before joining Converge, Lissa commercialised a research project from The Roslin Institute into a business unit at Roslin Technologies Limited and has in-depth experience of working with spin-outs and commercialisation of research.
Richard Cormack Corrigan
Enterprise Executive - NE/H&IRichard supports university enterprise development teams in the North East of Scotland and is based at the University of Aberdeen.
Before joining Converge, Richard worked for Young Enterprise Scotland's Elevator UK programme promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship in education and designing and delivering a range of accelerator programmes.
Sheik Abdul Malik
Enterprise Executive - WestMalik joined Converge in 2023 and leads enterprise support and strategic partnerships in the West of Scotland region.
A Doctoral researcher at the University of Strathclyde specialising in advanced composite materials and aeronautical engineering, Malik has made significant contributions to innovation through his research including being named as a co-inventor on a patent stemming from his doctoral work.
He is deeply engaged in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, having founded an airsports company and Strathclyde Hot Air Balloons and has organised a number of TEDx conferences in the UK and US.
Maria Blanco-Alvarez
Senior Admin AssistantMaria supports the delivery of our programme and is responsible for financial processing, reporting, co-ordination, administration and logistics support.
Maria has extensive work experience in Higher Education administration including the University of Edinburgh.
Kathryn Slater
Events & Marketing ManagerKathryn is an experienced marketing and events professional with a strong track record in PR, communications and event production. During her career she has held senior roles in major communications agencies and event production companies, latterly running her own successful event management business.
Georgia Goodall
Marketing & Communications ManagerMarketing & Communications Manager
With 20 years’ experience under her belt, including eight years working in London at a variety of creative agencies, Georgia brings a blend of practical, hands-on skills and strategic focus.
A s a former co-founder of a start-up, Georgia also has first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards of building a brand from the ground up.
Georgia's remit is broad and covers PR, external communications and content marketing.
Jennifer Black
Brand Marketing ManagerBrand Marketing Manager
Jen joined Converge in 2013 and is our longest serving team member.
Specialising in brand strategy, Jen oversees all visual aspects of the Converge brand, creating impactful brand experiences that resonate with our target audiences. Additionally, Jen oversees a wide range of other marketing activities including social media and digital marketing.