Scotland’s ambition to become an innovation nation takes a step forward 

Scotland’s ambition to become a world-leading innovation nation took a step forward today with the announcement of Converge’s 2024 finalists.

Representing the pinnacle of Scottish academic innovation and with groundbreaking ideas underpinned by world-class university research, this year’s shortlist includes 28 exceptional individuals tackling some of the world’s most complex problems including climate change, pollution and food security.

Competing across four challenge categories – Converge, Create Change, Net Zero and KickStart – this year’s finalist roster showcases a diverse range of emerging businesses from sectors pivotal to Scotland’s economic growth and global standing, including life sciences, energy, AI, and digital technology. 

In the Converge Challenge they include Iain McDougall and Anthony McGarry, researchers at the University of Strathclyde aiming to revolutionise limb-loss prosthetics and the lives of millions of people affected by amputations each year with their ground-breaking PCAD fitting system. The technology sets new standards in limb measurement by delivering custom-made sockets that offer a more comfortable and mobile future for people with limb loss. 

One of five projects through in the Create Change Challenge, a category for creative, social or cultural projects looking to become sustainable businesses, is Gledfield Distillery. Founded by Highlands & Islands University graduate, Ciara Bow, the distillery’s signature recipe is inspired by Ciara’s great, great grandmother who operated an illicit still in her croft in Ardgay in the late 1880s.

Shortlisted in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category, is EVA Biosystems, a start-up using synthetic biology to create biodegradable plastics that detect specific environments, like seawater, and decompose accordingly. Founded by Alexander Speakman, a graduate from the University of Edinburgh, the technology retains the benefits of plastic while offering a solution to the millions of tons of plastic entering our oceans every year.

In the early-stage, KickStart category, is Catriona Liddle, an academic at Queen Margaret University, with PalmAlt, a revolutionary, sustainable alternative to palm oil which could offer a solution to the damaging effects of palm tree cultivation. The new proprietary solution can be produced locally, at global scale, and is cost competitive. If adopted by the food industry to replace palm oil, it could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and the deforestation of global rainforests associated with palm production.

Finalists will now compete for a share of the £270,000+ prize fund with individual cash awards of up to £50,000 plus in-kind business support from Converge’s network of professional partners which includes some of the country’s leading lawyers, investors and business experts.

Winners and runners-up will be named at the Converge Awards on Thursday 3 October in Edinburgh. Attended by university principals, senior academic staff, business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors, this year’s speakers include Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes, and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, Professor Steve Decent.

Adam Kosterka, Converge Interim Director said:

“Scotland’s goal as an innovation nation is to foster a culture of research, entrepreneurship, and collaboration to drive economic growth and address societal challenges. This year’s Converge finalists are a shining example of that ambition in action, showcasing the power and potential of university research to translate groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact that will shape our future. 

Their success is a testament to the talent and dedication of Scotland’s academic community, and it inspires us to continue investing in innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs”. 

Congratulations and good luck to this year’s finalists – we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”

For full finalist details, see below:

Converge Challenge:

Create Change Challenge:

Net Zero Challenge:

KickStart Challenge: