Converge Challenge 2011
Six academics from universities across Scotland have battled it out to reach the final of a unique business competition, and are just one step away from the chance of winning a £25,000 cash prize.
Converge Challenge, run by Heriot-Watt University, is aimed at discovering talented entrepreneurs and providing them with the financial support and expertise to help them get their business ideas off the ground.
From a field of over 40 applicants, the six remaining contenders have come through three elimination rounds, which included submitting an executive summary and testing their skills in a one-minute elevator pitch. To reach the final, they have compiled and submitted comprehensive business plans and presented on the commercial viability, scope and anticipated income projections of their individual ideas.
The successful six finalists and their proposed businesses are:
- Jonathan Millen from the University of Edinburgh for Infatics, an innovative outdoor advertising analysis system
- Adam Brown from the University of Strathclyde for Bellrock, an intelligent condition monitoring decision support solution
- Ahmed El-Rayis from the University of Edinburgh for SOFANT, a green wireless solution
- Farid Amalou from the University of Heriot-Watt for AccuFluidics, a micro-fluid liquid handling solution
- Donald MacPhee from the University of Aberdeen for Enocell, a fuel cell charger, and
- Michael Lincoln from the University of Edinburgh for Quorate Technology, a decision capture and audit solution
Olga Kozlova, Enterprise Creation Manager at Heriot-Watt University, said: "The final six have already achieved a great deal by getting this far and demonstrated both flair and a solid level of business acumen given their limited experience.
The final six have already achieved a great deal by getting this far and demonstrated both flair and a solid level of business acumen given their limited experience
"It's now down to the judges to decide who they feel has the strongest potential to succeed and there is a definite buzz as they prepare to sit down and spend a day assessing and discussing the final proposals. For the finalists, the suspense is probably their biggest challenge yet."
The nerve-wracking wait to find out who will be crowned winner of Converge Challenge 2011 will come to an end at a prestigious dinner held on 27 September, hosted by Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.
Find out more about the Converge Challenge.