Campaign Toolkit – University of Aberdeen

Our 2025 programme is now open and we’re on the lookout for staff, students and graduates from the University of Aberdeen who are ready to bring their cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems.

We’ve put together a campaign toolkit to help you spread the word to aspiring academic innovations from your institution.

Your Converge Campaign Toolkit

The University of Aberdeen is no stranger to Converge success with winners including Dr Soumya Palliyil  from BrigID Biologics. What projects will emerge this year?

Please share the resources in this toolkit with your staff, students and recent graduates.

You can access the full suite of materials below:

Guide for applicants
Promotional text
Supporting imagery
Artwork
Logos & brand guidelines
Press releases

Dates for your diary

Notable dates, including programme and key events in the Converge calendar.

29 January

Converge 2025 programme open for applications.

12 February

Converge application session

This online session will provide potential applicants with advice on the submission process, what our judges look for and hints and tips for writing a strong proposal.

 

12 March

Converge application session

This online session will provide potential applicants with advice on the submission process, what our judges look for and hints and tips for writing a strong proposal.

 

2 April

Closing date for applications.

All applications must be submitted by 12 noon via the Converge website.

13 May

2025 cohort announced

26 May

Regional training (Glasgow)

All participants will attend a day’s training in their region.

27 May

Regional Training (Edinburgh)

All participants will attend a day’s training in their region.

29 May

Regional training (North)

All participants will attend a day’s training in their region.

2-5 June

Entrepreneurial business training

Converge, Create Change & Net Zero Challenges

5 June

Event: Inside Innovation

Pitching Showcase event featuring Converge, Create Change & Net Zero Challenge participants.

9-10 June

Entrepreneurial business training

KickStart Challenge

31 July

Business plan submission deadline

To progress in the programme, participants must submit a business plan (Converge, Net Zero and Create Change) or business case (KickStart) by 12 noon on 31 July.

5 September

Finalists announced

9 – 10 September

Finalist filming and photoshoot

Applicants are encouraged to make sure they keep these dates free!

10 September

Investment and PR training

For finalists in the Create Change, Net Zero and Converge Challenges

2 October

Event: Converge Awards

About us

We work with universities across Scotland to help academic innovators turn their ideas into a thriving, sustainable businesses with:

  • Expert-led training for start-ups and spinouts
  • Peer networking with access to business professionals
  • Opportunity to win cash prizes and business support
  • Test and validate your business proposition

If Converge is new to you, follow the links below for more information, or contact enterprise@convergechallenge.com for a chat to see how we can support you.

What’s new in 2025?

  • New standalone prize to support Blue Economy projects
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) training embedded into the programme (part of Pathways Forward pledge)
  • Targeted campaign and messaging for staff, students and graduates
  • Both national and regional press releases as part of our launch campaign
  • Streamlined application process