Our next programme
launches early 2026
The countdown begins – our upcoming programme will help academic founders build sustainable, impactful businesses.
Empowering academic entrepreneurs
We work with Scotland’s universities to empower staff, students and graduates to transform academic research and innovation into real-world solutions. Through collaboration, we harness expertise, knowledge and connections to support the creation of impactful businesses that contribute to a more sustainable future.
This semester, we’re running an online workshop series covering the essentials of starting a business with each session tailored specifically for university founders. Learn more.
Our expert team helps future founders from academia navigate their first steps into entrepreneurship with one-on-one enterprise support. Learn more.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our case studies, podcasts and videos featuring people who have bridged the gap from academia to real-world businesses. Learn more.
Our track record
Established in 2011, Converge was launched to develop and support the pipeline of new businesses in Scotland based on university IP, innovation and talent.
- Backed by Scottish universities
- Supported by industry leaders
- 800+ aspiring entrepreneurs trained
- 425+ businesses supported
- that have raised £450m+ in follow-on funding
- with an 80% average survival rate after 3 years
“Converge plays a vital dual role across Scotland’s universities by championing innovative business ideas whilst nurturing entrepreneurial talent in an academic setting. For budding founders it provides support, business networks and an invaluable and proven first stepping stone into entrepreneurship”
Ana Stewart, Tech Entrepreneur, Investor & Chief Entrepreneur to the Scottish Government
Stories worth sharing
Meet some of our alumni and the innovations that are shaping our world.
Carbogenics
Case study
Carbogenics, a spinout from the University of Edinburgh, specialises in transforming secondary biomass into CreChar®, a carbon-rich, porous material.
Dxcover
Case study
Dxcover, a spinout from the University of Strathclyde, is pioneering a new blood test that can rapidly detect brain tumours allowing for early diagnosis.
Nebu~Flow
Case study
Sounds can make you laugh, they can make you cry, they can make you sing – and, thanks to Nebu-Flow, they could soon also help people with conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Fantasy Fibre Mill
Case study
The current global fashion industry is an exploitative and extractive system that pollutes the environment at every step in the supply chain. Rosie Bristow of Fantasy Fibre Mill wants to build a viable alternative.
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