New Year, New Business? Applications Now Open for Converge 2024!
Got a pioneering business idea but not sure how to get it off the starting blocks?
Converge, Scotland’s springboard for university founders, is now open for applications and they’re on the lookout for innovators to join their 2024 programme. If you’re an Edinburgh Napier University staff member, student or recent graduate with a game-changing business idea, then this is your chance to access the right tools, support and networks to make it happen. You could even win substantial grant funding.
What’s in it for you?
- Test and validate your idea
- 1-2-1 support & guidance, every step of the way
- Free professional advice – from accounting to legal
- Generous cash prizes to springboard your venture
- Money-can’t buy business training
- Access to business & investor networks
About the Converge Challenge
More than £280,000 in funding and support is available to the winners and runners-up across four challenge categories – Converge, Create Change, KickStart, and Net Zero – along with access to the advice, networking events, and training that make Converge a highly regarded company creation initiative for all of Scotland’s Universities.
Over the past 13 years, the initiative has supported more than 670 people to launch more than 420 companies, raising £360 million in follow-on funding along the way. Companies formed by Converge Alumni have an 80% survival rate after three years. That work is part of Scotland’s wider entrepreneurial ecosystem, with many public and private sector organisations collaborating to help new businesses succeed.
Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director of Converge, said:
“Converge is committed to empowering and supporting the next generation of diverse founders and innovators who are driven by purpose and passion to make a difference in the world. We take a collaborative, ecosystem approach – working closely with universities, research institutes, investors, corporate partners and other organisations to help these brave individuals turn their dreams into reality. By backing talented, mission-led founders and connecting them to the full range of Scotland’s entrepreneurial support system, we can have an even greater collective impact. Whether it’s a climate-focused business like Robocean or a company addressing other societal needs, our goal is to foster more inclusive innovation and harness Scotland’s spirit of invention to build a better future.”