Academic entrepreneurs converge for pitch challenge

The most innovative business ideas emerging from Scottish universities have been showcased through the Converge Challenge 2018 ‘Ready Steady Pitch’ competition.

Converge Challenge harnesses and supports Scotland’s emerging entrepreneurial leaders from academia and aims to provide them with the skills and confidence to develop their commercial propositions.

Participants in its pitch competition had just 60 seconds to present their innovative ideas to a panel of experts and industry professionals.

Last year’s Converge Challenge 2017 elevator pitch winner went to Dr Holly Butler of University of Strathclyde with ClinSpec Dx, a blood test-based diagnostics that can provide early detection of brain tumours, which result in the early death of more patients than any other cancer.

Following this success, ClinSpec Dx went on to become the runner up of the Converge Challenge and secure a total prize fund of £42,000, including £25,000 in cash and £17,000 in business support.

This year saw Peter Orrell from the James Hutton Institute take the honours with MycoNourish, which uses fungi to act as a secondary root system to improve plant health.

Olga Kozlova, Director of Converge Challenge said: “The calibre of the pitches last night was exceptional and I want to praise each and every one of the cohort involved.

“I am encouraged by the development of the participants who each year become more polished and more ambitious to deliver outstanding projects and companies!

“The impact of being shortlisted within our programme results in honing pitching and influencing skills and is another step for the participants on their own journey in becoming the next generation of Scotland’s entrepreneurs.”

Paul Wheelhouse, Scottish Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said: “Our universities are world class and it is heartening to see that this group of the shortlisted finalists in the Converge Challenge includes a trend toward technology, health and robotics.

“This reflects how we are at the cutting edge of these themes both in the scientific research and at applied development for economic growth and betterment of Scotland’s society and economy.”

Peter Orrell, winner of last night’s elevator pitch, said: “I am so excited and proud to have been chosen as the winner from the 30 Converge Challenge pitches. The training and support we received in the three days leading up to Ready Steady Pitch was immense. The confidence and abilities of everyone who participated has grown enormously and I am looking forward to applying these skills not just throughout the rest of the competition but beyond.”

The winners of each of the three Converge Challenge categories will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at the Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh on 20 September 2018.

Timeline:

The Converge Challenge 2018 categories are:

A full list of all finalists can be found on the Converge Challenge website: www.convergechallenge.com