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Converge Challenge 2013 sponsors
The Converge Challenge would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. The companies below have been kind enough to offer financial or technical support to the Converge Challenge winners.
Murgitroyd & Company
Murgitroyd & Companyis one of the largest firms of European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys with 14 offices in 7 countries worldwide – UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and USA. Murgitroyd has 3 Scottish offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen and is proud to serve a wide client base including universities, research institutes and their spin-outs, and companies from all industry sectors ranging from start-ups to multinationals. The firm has a reputation for providing practical, commercially relevant and technically accurate advice. Great emphasis is also placed on good service, anticipating potential areas of difficulty and resolving problems effectively.
Edinburgh Instruments
Founded in 1971 by Professor S. D. Smith OBE FRS, Edinburgh Instruments Ltd has become recognised as a leading light in the photonics and electro-optics industries. Formed as the first spin-off from Heriot-Watt University, it was the first private company on Britain's first University "Research Park”. Over the years it has diversified its electro-optics products and solutions and now offers an extensive range of gas lasers, semiconductor light sources, infrared gas sensors and leads the world in Time Correlated Single Photon Counting, the technology at the heart of its state of the art fluorescence spectrometers. Edinburgh Instruments installs and supports its systems in over 70 countries world-wide, and in April 2012 was awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise : International Trade.
Fearsomengine
Fearsomengine is a dynamic, innovative and commercially aware organisation with an energetic and youthful workforce guided by enthusiastic and experienced management. Our core expertise lies in the design, development and manufacture of new products to fulfil market needs. As well as having a profound understanding of design for market we have extensive experience in the full scope of activities associated with commercialising a new concept, and by our own endeavours we have gained considerable experience from the coal face of commercialisation.
Since inception in 2001 we have been responsible for the development and manufacture of innovative new products for clients encompassing a diversity of industry sectors. Medical devices, high-tech devices, marine equipment and consumer products have been produced with demonstrable return on investment for customers. We regularly and successfully work with universities in the development and commercialisation of lab based research.
To deliver successful products to our clients we follow a considered and proven method that is based on defined objectives. We have built these processes into our well established ISO 9001 accredited quality management system. Through this system we provide customers with total clarity on the project objectives as well as confidence that the objectives are fulfilled."
French Duncan
An independent Scottish firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, French Duncan’s approach is based on building strong client relationships, proactive ideas and a full understanding of its clients’ businesses.
With extensive experience working alongside young companies and university spin-outs, helping to grow profitable businesses and protect ownership by winning support from existing and new backers, French Duncan’s comprehensive advisory service is well positioned to supply relevant and practical advice with particular emphasis on the development of strategic plans and forecasts as well as the raising of capital and grants for new and existing businesses, claiming R&D tax credits, providing accounting services, payroll and VAT.
Hydrafact
Hydrafact is an experienced provider of independent consulting and technical services to the upstream oil and gas industry. The company is a spin out from Heriot-Watt University and was formed in 2006. To date we have successfully completed over 300 projects for almost all major oil companies worldwide.
Hydrafact offers a comprehensive range of technical and scientific services in the fields of gas hydrates, flow assurance, PVT, phase behaviour and properties of reservoir fluids and CO2-rich systems. We have very well equipped laboratories with a range of high pressure - low temperature set-ups that allow testing to be carried out under field representative conditions.We are also active in commercialising IP, recent examples of which include our hydrate prediction software HydraFLASH and our hydrate inhibitor monitoring tool HydraCHEK.
Informatics Ventures
Informatics Ventures supports Scotland’s technology innovators and entrepreneurs from all the Scottish universities and the wider business community.
We help develop individuals and their early-stage companies through a range of high-profile networking events, masterclasses, workshops and entrepreneurial education programmes in the UK and the USA.We work in partnership with other like-minded organisations in order to create a joined up entrepreneur support and outward looking eco-system in Scotland.
Engage Invest Exploit (EIE), our flagship event staged annually in May, is a showcase for Scotland’s most exciting and innovative young companies which attracts investors from all over the world. EIE takes place over a single day and features top class speakers, investor presentations from selected companies, an exhibition and a networking dinner.
Mortonward
Mortonward is a graphic design agency with a proven track record of working with business start-ups and university spin-outs.
Mortonward works with their clients to build brands that inspire trust and respect, communicating their technological expertise with a visible commercial edge across printed and digital media.
Morton Fraser
Morton Fraser is an outstanding UK law firm with outstanding clients, working with businesses, the public sector and non-profit organisations, as well as with individuals and families.
Our IP, information and technology law team is highly experienced in advising companies and individuals across the UK. We have worked closely with organisations across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, IT, defence, education, retail, energy, and the motor industry and logistics sectors.
With particular expertise in advising new University company spin-outs we can guide you through every aspect of the growth process from first round funding through to successful business angel or venture capital investment and beyond. Our team of experts has the capacity to advise and assist through all stages of a new company's growth.
With Morton Fraser you benefit from the expertise and experience of award-winning lawyers and specialist teams so you can trust our advice and rely on our services.
Thrive For Business
Thrive for Business is the premier networking organisation in Scotland committed to providing the best quality events to over 150 member companies.
The company's sector specific clubs include Energy, Technology and Innovation, Property and Construction and Hospitality, bringing together like-minded individuals willing to share knowledge, ideas and contacts in an unrivalled atmosphere of talent and enthusiasm.
The monthly Technology & Innovation Club focusses on the creation of products attracting experts in product design and development, manufacturing, electronics, engineering, software, funding and investment. With the highest calibre of speakers and delegates, Thrive for Business ensure a learn and share environment as well as the opportunity to make valuable business contacts.