The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Academics shortlisted in new company competition
Company founders from Dundee and Fife to pitch for share of £170,000 Converge Challenge prize pot
Budding academic entrepreneurs from Tayside and Fife have been shortlisted in Scotland’s leading company creation competition and entrepreneurial development programme.
The Converge Challenge has a total prize fund of £170,000 available and is aimed at bringing forward new business ideas among staff, students and recent graduates of Scotland’s universities and research institutes.
There are three award categories at this year’s competition, and local entrepreneurs have been nominated in two of them.
St Andrews University research associate Christopher Brown has been shortlisted in the main Converge Challenge category for Paraformance, a software platform that makes digital systems, faster, safer and more energy efficient.
Senior Dundee University lecturer Dr Deborah Wake has also made the top 10 in the same category with MyWay Digital Health, an online platform that helps patients with diabetes manage their condition.
Alice Horton, a Dundee University undergraduate, will be pitching for the Social Enterprise award after making the five-strong shortlist for her Open Ears toolkit that raises awareness of the difficulties people with hearing issues can face in their daily lives.
Converge Challenge director Dr Olga Kozlova said she had no doubt the judges had seen Scotland’s next generation of leading entrepreneurs
“This year’s finalists are game changers showcasing innovations with amazing market potential,” she said.
“The candidate’s business plans displayed solid market engagement and commitment to developing a strong team and clear details on how they plan to grow the business – all key elements that contribute to the future success of a new business and ultimately Scotland’s economy.
“The strong pipeline of university spinouts is encouraging and at Converge Challenge we are delighted to offer the follow-on training and support to develop these ‘ideas’ into profitable and scalable businesses.”
The final stage of the Challenge, at which entrants can win a share of the six-figure prize fund, will take place in Glasgow next month.