Record entries for uni business start-up scheme

An academic initiative aimed at creating the next generation of entrepreneurs has received the greatest number of applications since its launch.

Clockwise from top: Rebecca Pick (University of Strathclyde), Richard Walker (University of Edinburgh), Jordan Smith (Glasgow School of Art), Converge Challenge director Olga Kozlova and Michael Tougher (Glasgow School of Art). Picture: Lesley Martin

For the first time since Converge Challenge was established, all 17 higher education universities in Scotland have submitted applications for the start-up development programme. At 212, the total number of individual entrants is up 14 per cent on last year.

The biggest growth came from recent graduates, up from eight in 2015 to 40 this year, demonstrating alumni engagement from universities, organisers said.

Converge Challenge is now in its sixth year and is open to students, graduates and staff from universities and research institutes across the country.

The successful “Converge Challengers” will participate in entrepreneurial training and development at RBS Gogarburn before taking to the stage to present their elevator pitches to an expert panel of judges on 2 June. The total prize fund is £150,000.