Edinburgh firm aims to eliminate food waste with help from Royal Bank of Scotland

An Edinburgh biotechnology firm is scaling up its efforts to tackle food waste thanks to support from a Royal Bank of Scotland accelerator programme.

On the first ever International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, Royal Bank of Scotland has shared news from one of its Entrepreneur Accelerator cohorts, IntelliDigest, which is pioneering the elimination of food waste through the promotion of a circular economy.

IntelliDigest, which was founded in 2016 by Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu, is pioneering the elimination of food waste through the promotion of a circular economy, by preventing edible food going to waste, and by converting inedible food waste into sustainable chemicals. These chemicals can then be used for the likes of food packaging and cosmetics.

Royal Bank of Scotland’s 18-month Entrepreneurial Accelerator programme provides business support such as one-to-ones and networking opportunities.

Through the accelerator, a “power panel” of industry experts worked with IntelliDigest on direction and commercialisation, leading scientific lawyer Patricia Barclay to take on the role of chairperson with the company.

The firm was also financially supported through Royal Bank of Scotland’s Back Her Business fund-matching scheme, which provided an additional £10,000 towards funds raised by the company.

Kanu, who is set to graduate from the programme in January, said: “The Entrepreneur Accelerator has been incredibly useful, giving me the opportunity to network and build lasting relationships with other budding entrepreneurs and experts from world-class organisations.

“The opportunity to spend time focusing on business development has been invaluable, as is the bank’s support in other ways – from funding, to signing up to our initiatives.”

Royal Bank of Scotland accelerator manager Matthew Teague added: “Dr Kanu developed an innovative, sustainable business which drew our attention, but ultimately, her mindset, drive, and enthusiasm were key to her enrolment.

“It’s been great to see IntelliDigest continue to grow.”

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