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Converge Challenge, hosted by Heriot-Watt University, has confirmed the appointment of its new Director, Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo.
Claudia has been with Converge Challenge, which is the leading company creation programme for Scottish Universities and Research Institutes, since October 2017 when she joined as Deputy Director.
Converge Challenge provides us with a national platform to showcase the tremendous talent we have at this university
She is a former Saltire fellow with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. During her career, Claudia worked with a biotech spin-out from the University of Edinburgh and more recently was Head of Saltire Fellowship within Entrepreneurial Scotland.
Speaking on her new role, Claudia said: “Our world-class Universities and Research Institutes provide the entrepreneurial conditions for new, trailblazing business ideas to flourish and grow. The result is a pipeline of innovators who, as well as creating jobs and prosperity, are actively changing our society for the better. It is an absolute honour, therefore, to be appointed Director at Converge Challenge and I look forward to building on our many achievements and working with our partners to take the programme to the next level.”
In her new position, Claudia will spearhead the continuing development of the University engagement strategy, whilst further strengthening collaborative partnerships with the many corporate organisations embedded within Scotland's entrepreneurial eco-system.
David Richardson, Heriot-Watt University's Chief Entrepreneurial Executive, congratulated Claudia on her appointment, saying: “Claudia has a real passion for promoting entrepreneurial talent across Scotland's universities and I very much look forward to working with her in the future.
“Here at Heriot-Watt, we have a long and distinguished history of equipping start-up businesses and entrepreneurs with the specialist skills needed to be successful in today's world.
“Converge Challenge provides us with a national platform to showcase the tremendous talent we have at this university."