Converge appoints new executive director for next phase of growth

Converge, which works in close partnership with Scotland’s universities to empower academic entrepreneurs, has appointed Adam Kosterka as its new executive director as the organisation prepares to launch its ambitious 2025 programme. 

Adam, who has served as Interim Director since August 2024, brings extensive experience in innovation and enterprise development to the permanent role. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Converge strengthens its mission to transform Scotland into a global destination for academic entrepreneurs.

Drawing on his expertise in supporting founders, business management and leadership, Adam will spearhead 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.

While continuing to support new ventures across all sectors, the organisation will develop enhanced support for high-growth areas that align with Scotland’s core strengths including life sciences, engineering and energy transition. Through deeper collaboration between universities and industry, Converge will expand the early-stage pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, strengthen foundations for high-growth ventures, and showcase the world-class innovation emerging from Scotland’s universities.

“This is an exciting time for academic entrepreneurship in Scotland,” said Adam Kosterka. “As we prepare to launch our 2025 programme, our focus is on building upon Converge’s proven track record while introducing new initiatives that will help position Scotland as a leading hub for academic entrepreneurs. We’re particularly focused on developing pathways that will help empower university staff, students and graduates to address global challenges through innovative business ideas that have real-world impact.”

Polly Purvis, Chair of Converge, welcomed the appointment: “Adam’s vision for Converge, along with his deep understanding of Scotland’s innovation landscape, makes him the ideal leader to take the organisation forward. His passion for supporting start-ups and spinout founders, coupled with his experience in programme delivery and strategic development, will be invaluable as we work to expand our impact across Scotland’s university sector and beyond.” 

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, which hosts Converge at its GRID facility, added: “Adam’s appointment comes at a crucial time as we see growing demand from students, researchers and academics to support their entrepreneurial intentions. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the bridge between academic innovation and commercial success, further cementing Scotland’s reputation as a powerhouse for university-led enterprise.”

News of Kosterka’s appointment follows the recent conclusion of Converge’s 2024 programme, which saw a total prize package worth over £300,000 awarded to innovative university projects across Scotland. Since its launch in 2011, Converge has trained more than 735 academic entrepreneurs and supported the creation of over 430 companies, which maintain an impressive three-year survival rate of over 80%.

2024 prize winners included University of Strathclyde future spinout, InProcess, which claimed top prize with its world-first real-time welding inspection system. Using ultrasonic waves, its technology detects defects as they occur, increasing productivity through significantly reducing rework and delays, and potentially saving manufacturers millions of pounds.