Edinburgh Napier University is pleased to share that three of its innovation projects have been selected to go through for the Converge Challenge 2025.
Converge recently announced its 2025 cohort, comprising some of the most innovative and creative thinkers from Scotland’s Universities. The compelling trend this year across a significant majority of projects, as noted by the judging panel, is a strong and consistent commitment to purpose-driven innovation.
About the Converge Challenge
Established in 2011, Converge was launched to develop and support the pipeline of new businesses in Scotland based on university IP, innovation and talent.
Each year, successful applicants include projects from all 19 universities across Scotland. There is strong representation in the technology, engineering and life sciences sectors, with many developing emerging technologies underpinned by AI.
The successful projects from Edinburgh Napier University include:
Converge Challenge: LastingAsset
Led by Dr Zakwan Jaroucheh and Nanik Ramchandani, LastingAsset uses encryption technology to prevent rogue actors from impersonating an organisation’s phone number to dupe victims of fraud. It aims to combat phone number spoofing and voice-based impersonation so clients can assure their customers that they are speaking with a genuine representative. This project has since evolved into a spin-out business.
Net Zero Challenge: AI-Powered Automated Algal Bloom Monitoring System (AQUA-BMS)
Led by Dr Abdel Fateh Kerrouche, this team is developing an automated, real-time water quality monitoring system designed to detect and analyse harmful blue-green algal blooms (cyanobacteria). This innovative solution incorporates autonomous sampling technology, image processing, and IoT-based real-time data transmission to deliver rapid and accurate insights into water quality. Intended for deployment on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), the system facilitates continuous, chemical-free monitoring of algal blooms in both surface and deep waters. By offering early warning alerts and actionable data, this technology assists water utilities, environmental agencies, and aquaculture industries in making informed decisions to safeguard ecosystems and public health.
Kicktstart Challenge: Smart Interactive Textile
Led Dr Libu Manjakkal, this team has established the concept of an energy-autonomous sensing system through the development of a highly efficient energy storage device integrated with sensors and the creation of new biocompatible electrode materials on textiles. The ‘Smart Interactive Textile’ is designed to be a safe, sustainable, and mechanically flexible electrochemical energy storage system with embedded sensors, enhancing the application of “energy-autonomous” systems across various fields, including health monitoring, prosthetics, and human-machine interaction.
Commenting on this year’s new intake, Adam Kosterka, Converge Executive Director said:
“It’s a great privilege to welcome such an exceptionally talented group of aspiring entrepreneurs to our programme. Their innovations cut across numerous fields, offering solutions with the potential to not just boost our economy but to transform people’s lives. We can’t wait to see how they progress. We are delighted to offer more places than ever on our programmes, with the highest number of applications to date validating the demand for Converge’s unique model of supporting entrepreneurial ambition.”
Helen Cross, Director of Research and Innovation at the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“The reputation and respect Converge has built since it began 14 years ago is reflected in the incredible response to this year’s programme and in the fact that all 19 of Scotland’s universities are represented in the 2025 cohort. I’m delighted to see such success for a programme that does so much for enterprise and innovation and encourages such transformational projects.”
Participants will now receive business training to develop their entrepreneurial skills with finalists progressing to the Converge Awards in October with a record prize pot of £400,000 awaiting the winners.
To read more about the Converge Challenge and this year’s shortlist visit convergechallenge.com >>