Budding entrepreneurs aim to tackle air pollution

A host of young Scots gathered in Glasgow this weekend to consider how air pollution can be tackled through the use of new technologies.

Participants at the VentureJam Air Time event in Glasgow. Picture: Contributed

The Air Time event, at Glasgow Science Centre, was aimed at preparing the budding entrepreneurs for this year’s VentureJam, part of the annual Venturefest Scotland innovation summit.

VentureJam will see a group of young people from across Scotland work with a team of business mentors to devise creative business solutions to combat air pollution. The best ideas will be pitched to industry experts and investors at Venturefest, which takes place at Glasgow Science Centre on 1 September.

Dr Susie Mitchell, programme director of Glasgow City of Science, said: “Opportunities that up-skill, inspire and encourage entrepreneurial thinking in our young people can boost competitiveness and growth in a smart, sustainable and inclusive way. I can’t wait to see how the young people translate their new knowledge from today’s inspirational event into creative business ideas.”

Scottish Environment Protection Agency principal air scientist Dr Colin Gillespie added: “Involving young people and allowing them to lead on the message they feel should be delivered, or what the solutions could be, is a very effective way to raise awareness of the problem of poor air quality.”