Converge Challenge is the largest business competition and entrepreneurial training programme in Scotland with the top prize of £60,000. We provide training, hands-on mentoring, business support and give out cash prizes up to £35,000. We are open to staff and students of all Scottish Universities and Research Institutes. We work with any industry sector, product- or service-based ideas at any stage of development.
The competition is open to all final year undergraduate or postgraduate students as well as academic and research staff of any Scottish University or Research Institute.
Winners will receive:
- £35,000 cash
- Access to a free training and professional advice
- Business mentoring, networking and peers support
Key Dates
| Closing date for outlines | Friday 10 May 2013 |
| Commercialisation Training Workshops | Thursday 6 and Friday June 2013 |
| Closing date for final business plans | Friday 2 August 2013 |
| Final pitch to the judging panel | Tuesday 24 September 2013 |
| Converge Challenge Awards Dinner | Tuesday 24 September 2013 |
Find out more about Converge Challenge
Or apply now using our Application Form (entry closed).
Seminars and Live Webinars
Converge Challenge also runs a series of free seminars and webinars aimed at budding entrepreneurs or people with ideas and inventions they wish to develop. We have an exciting programme of successful entrepreneurs sharing their experiences and hard-learnt pearls of wisdom, and experts in marketing, finance, intellectual property, sales and other valuable advice. For more information on upcoming sessions in this seminar series, please visit our website Practical Guide to Business Start-Up series
Converge Challenge Kickstart Competition
If you don't meet the criteria to enter the Converge Challenge but still have a great idea, or if your idea is still in its infancy, the Converge Challenge Kickstart Competition may be a better fit for you.