If you know the ‘why’ behind your business, we can help you with the ‘how’

Open for applications!

Let us be your guide

Scotland’s universities are hotbeds of innovation and talent but turning great ideas into commercial reality is tough – especially without a road map, funding and a network to guide you along the way. 

Working in partnership with Scotland’s world-class universities, we help staff, students and recent graduates with game-changing business ideas navigate the journey ahead.

Bringing your innovation to life

We share your passion for innovation and invention and, regardless of your background or business readiness, by joining our cohort you’ll gain the tools, networks and support to springboard your business into the world.

We’ve got you covered

Money-can’t buy business training covering the essentials of starting a business including how to build strong teams, how to navigate the incorporation process, how to gain closer engagement with markets and customers and, ultimately, how to create an investable company with a strong proposition.

Be in the running to win generous, equity-free cash prizes to springboard your business

Our friendly, experienced, hands-on team is here to guide you every step of the way

Benefit from free professional advice – everything from legal to accounting – from our network of partners

Gain access to our little black book of investor and business contacts

It's the best thing I've done in my career. The PR it created allowed the business to grow very quickly by drawing in significant investment.

Dave Hughes
Novosound, 2017 Winner

Find your challenge

Holly for Home page
  • £50k top prize
  • £20k runner-up

Converge Challenge is open to high-calibre, innovative projects with serious growth potential. If you have a ground-breaking idea, this is the challenge for you.

Find out more

Faisal for Home page
  • £30k top prize
  • £10k runner-up

Designed to support Scotland’s efforts in becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2045, we welcome projects that can deliver maximum impact for Scotland’s net zero goal.

Find out more

Marwa for home page
  • £30k top prize
  • £10k runner-up

If you're a social shaker or creative thinker looking to change the world for the better, then this challenge is for you.

Find out more

which_challenge_kickstart
  • £10k top prize
  • £7.5k runner-up

KickStart Challenge is a first step towards commercialisation for early-stage business ideas. It’s designed to test the robustness of your idea, equip you for the realities of entrepreneurship and prepare you for our more advanced challenge categories.

Find out more

It all starts with an idea

Explore the remarkable business journeys of people like you here.

 

Bellrock Technology

Case study

From a team of two, to a team of 20! Meet Adam Brown, our first ever Converge Challenge winner.

View case study

Atypical Cosmetics

Case study

Find out how Marwa developed her bespoke skincare business after graduating from university. "Stay persistant, people will tell you to get a real job!"

View case study

SolarisKit

Case study

"Winning the 2019 Impact Challenge was without a doubt the turning point for SolarisKit!" Find out more about Faisal's world-changing innovation.

View case study

Recoil Kneepads

Case study

Find out how Vicky's impact absorbing kneepads are helping trades people carry out their job in comfort. "I've managed to create something that genuinely helps someone else."

View case study

Our latest news, thoughts and events

Niall McGrath, Co-Founder, Robocean NEWS

Converge seeks new pioneers to make real world impact

Converge has officially opened for applications to its 2024 programme, placing a spotlight on the diverse motivations that drive individuals to start businesses.

Converge seeks new pioneers to make real world impact
NEWS

Converge Appoints New Chair

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Polly Purvis, OBE as our new Chair.

Converge Appoints New Chair

Collaboration is key to simplifying Scotland’s crowded innovation ecosystem

We’re not short of problems to solve, from the need to harness renewable energy and tackle the climate emergency through to assisted healthcare to help our ageing population. That’s why now is the time to pull our sleeves up, sharpen the focus on our key challenges and come together to achieve our nation’s ambition.

Collaboration is key to simplifying Scotland’s crowded innovation ecosystem

Drop the tribalism to help innovation grow

PHRASES like “Team Scotland” have become clichés and political footballs – but there’s no room for tribalism when it comes to supporting our nation’s business founders.

Drop the tribalism to help innovation grow
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