About Us

We’ve always believed in the power of research and innovation to drive meaningful change.

Back in 2011, our founder, Dr Olga Kozlova, recognised the challenges faced by academics in transforming pioneering research and innovation into impactful businesses, and set out to change that.

By working in close collaboration with Scotland’s universities, we’ve been privileged to help a diverse community of aspiring academic founders to launch their businesses.

Converge is in the unique position of being the only organisation of its kind working across Scotland’s university sector.

Our Vision

We envisage a future where every staff member, student, and recent graduate across all universities can transform their innovative ideas into thriving and sustainable businesses.

Converge will bridge the gap between ideas and impact, helping Scotland to become a destination for innovators and entrepreneurs from across the world.

Our Values

Our values define who we are and guide everything we do.

Innovation – championing and supporting new and bold ideas to make a difference

Excellence – striving to do the best always

Inclusivity – providing opportunities for every part of our communities

Collaboration –  harnessing the power of partnership

Creativity – innovating our approach to reimagine the future

Recognition – recognising and celebrating achievements and successes

Our Team

Meet our experienced team.

Adam Kosterka

Executive Director

Adam joined Converge in 2017 having previously held a number of business advisor roles with Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise. He became Deputy Director in 2021 and was appointed to the role of Executive Director in December 2024.

Drawing on his expertise in supporting founders, business management and leadership, Adam spearheads Converge’s strategic growth plans which include enhanced support for sustainable business creation and increased focus on attracting international talent to Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.

Adam holds a Masters Degree in Business Management from Edinburgh Napier University and recently completed an MBA in Global Leadership Training at Heriot-Watt University.

 

adam.kosterka@convergechallenge.com

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Dr. Lissa Herron

Head of Enterprise

Head of Enterprise

Lissa heads up our Enterprise team and is responsible for the delivery of our outreach and training programme. As a Converge alumna, she has invaluable knowledge and expertise of the journey that our participants undertake, leveraging this insight to optimise alumni relations.

Before joining Converge, Lissa commercialised a research project from The Roslin Institute into a business unit at Roslin Technologies Limited and has in-depth experience of working with spin-outs and commercialisation of research.


 

lissa.herron@convergechallenge.com

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Sam Trett, Enterprise Manager, Converge

Sam Trett

Enterprise Manager

Sam joined Converge as Enterprise Manager in 2025 to support enterprise teams and students across the central belt of Scotland.

Before joining Converge, Sam founded and exited a business in the spirits industry, led the recovery of a former AIM listed FMCG business and consulted SMEs across a variety of sectors. Working as an Incubator Manager for Edinburgh Business School and Entrepreneur in Residence at Heriot Watt University, he has extensive experience supporting start-ups from concept to commercialisation.

 

Sheik Abdul Malik

Enterprise Executive - West

Malik joined Converge in 2023 and leads enterprise support and strategic partnerships in the West of Scotland region.

A Doctoral researcher at the University of Strathclyde specialising in advanced composite materials and aeronautical engineering, Malik has made significant contributions to innovation through his research including being named as a co-inventor on a patent stemming from his doctoral work.

He is deeply engaged in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, having founded an airsports company and Strathclyde Hot Air Balloons and has organised a number of TEDx conferences in the UK and US.

 

sheik.malik@convergechallenge.com

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Maisie Keogh

Enterprise Executive for Impact - National

Maisie works across both Converge and The Challenges Group, supporting socially driven, mission-led businesses that are creating impact across diverse sectors. Her work focuses on identifying and nurturing early-stage ventures with strong potential for innovation and societal benefit.

During her PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Maisie managed the Sir Jules Thorn Centre for the Co-Creation of Rehabilitation Technology, with her research on stroke rehabilitation technology receiving national recognition, including coverage on BBC Click. Her doctoral work has been widely published and contributes to advancing the use of technology in healthcare recovery.

Maisie holds an MSc in Biofluid Mechanics and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow. In 2024, she was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship in recognition of her commitment to global learning and innovation. She is particularly passionate about empowering more women to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership in science and technology.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maisiekeogh/

 

maisie.keogh@convergechallenge.com

Richard Cormack-Corrigan

Enterprise Executive Converge

Richard supports university enterprise development teams in the North East of Scotland and is based at the University of Aberdeen.

Before joining Converge, Richard worked for Young Enterprise Scotland's Elevator UK programme promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship in education and designing and delivering a range of accelerator programmes.

 

Maria Blanco-Alvarez

Senior Admin Assistant

Maria supports the delivery of our programme and is responsible for financial processing, reporting, co-ordination, administration and logistics support.

Maria has extensive work experience in Higher Education administration including the University of Edinburgh.

 

maria.blanco-alvarez@convergechallenge.com

Georgia Goodall

Marketing & Communications Manager

Marketing & Communications Manager

With 20 years’ experience under her belt, including eight years working in London at a variety of creative agencies, Georgia brings a blend of practical, hands-on skills and strategic focus.

A s a former co-founder of a start-up, Georgia also has first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards of building a brand from the ground up.

Georgia's remit is broad and covers PR, external communications and content marketing.

 

georgia.goodall@convergechallenge.com

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Kathryn Slater

Events & Marketing Manager

Kathryn is an experienced marketing and events professional with a strong track record in PR, communications and event production. During her career she has held senior roles in major communications agencies and event production companies, latterly running her own successful event management business.

 

kathryn.slater@convergechallenge.com

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Jen Black, Brand Marketing Manager, Converge

Jennifer Black

Brand Marketing Manager

Brand Marketing Manager

Jen joined Converge in 2013 and is our longest serving team member.

Specialising in brand strategy, Jen oversees all visual aspects of the Converge brand, creating impactful brand experiences that resonate with our target audiences. Additionally, Jen oversees a wide range of other marketing activities including social media and digital marketing.

 

jennifer.black@convergechallenge.com

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