If you know the ‘why’ behind your business, we can help you with the ‘how’

Let us be your guide

Scotland’s universities are hotbeds of innovation and talent but turning great ideas into commercial reality is tough – especially without a road map, funding and a network to guide you along the way. 

Working in partnership with Scotland’s world-class universities, we help staff, students and recent graduates with game-changing business ideas navigate the journey ahead.

Bringing your innovation to life

We share your passion for innovation and invention and, regardless of your background or business readiness, by joining our cohort you’ll gain the tools, networks and support to springboard your business into the world.

We’ve got you covered

Money-can’t buy business training covering the essentials of starting a business including how to build strong teams, how to navigate the incorporation process, how to gain closer engagement with markets and customers and, ultimately, how to create an investable company with a strong proposition.

Be in the running to win generous, equity-free cash prizes to springboard your business

Our friendly, experienced, hands-on team is here to guide you every step of the way

Benefit from free professional advice – everything from legal to accounting – from our network of partners

Gain access to our little black book of investor and business contacts

It's the best thing I've done in my career. The PR it created allowed the business to grow very quickly by drawing in significant investment.

Dave Hughes
Novosound, 2017 Winner

Find your challenge

Holly for Home page
  • £50k top prize
  • £20k runner-up

Converge Challenge is open to high-calibre, innovative projects with serious growth potential. If you have a ground-breaking idea, this is the challenge for you.

Find out more

Faisal for Home page
  • £30k top prize
  • £10k runner-up

Designed to support Scotland’s efforts in becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2045, we welcome projects that can deliver maximum impact for Scotland’s net zero goal.

Find out more

Marwa for home page
  • £30k top prize
  • £10k runner-up

If you're a social shaker or creative thinker looking to change the world for the better, then this challenge is for you.

Find out more

which_challenge_kickstart
  • £10k top prize
  • £7.5k runner-up

KickStart Challenge is a first step towards commercialisation for early-stage business ideas. It’s designed to test the robustness of your idea, equip you for the realities of entrepreneurship and prepare you for our more advanced challenge categories.

Find out more

It all starts with an idea

Explore the remarkable business journeys of people like you here.

 

Bellrock Technology

Case study

From a team of two, to a team of 20! Meet Adam Brown, our first ever Converge Challenge winner.

View case study

Atypical Cosmetics

Case study

Find out how Marwa developed her bespoke skincare business after graduating from university. "Stay persistant, people will tell you to get a real job!"

View case study

SolarisKit

Case study

"Winning the 2019 Impact Challenge was without a doubt the turning point for SolarisKit!" Find out more about Faisal's world-changing innovation.

View case study

Recoil Kneepads

Case study

Find out how Vicky's impact absorbing kneepads are helping trades people carry out their job in comfort. "I've managed to create something that genuinely helps someone else."

View case study

Our latest news, thoughts and events

Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director, Converge NEWS

Scotland’s universities paving the way to a better future

The future is coming and sooner than you think with 100 breakthrough ideas from Scotland’s universities now through to the 2024 semi-finals of Converge, Scotland’s springboard for university-born innovators.

Scotland’s universities paving the way to a better future
NEWS

Converge appoints new chair

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Polly Purvis, OBE as our new Chair.

Converge appoints new chair

Tapping into Scottish talent

Our nation is already well-known for its concentration of world-class universities – higher per head of population than any other country – but what we don’t shout about enough is the stream of innovative students, graduates, and staff at those universities who are turning their ideas into global businesses.

Tapping into Scottish talent

Innovation knows no boundaries

Innovation knows no boundaries, and neither should our collaborative efforts. By engaging with UK- wide and international partners, we can secure funding, gain exposure for Scottish spin-outs and start-ups, and open doors to global markets.

Innovation knows no boundaries
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