Converge announces second wave of finalists

Converge is proud to unveil the second wave of finalists for its 2025 competition, a group of trailblazers drawn from two of this year’s limited-edition challenges in Hydrogen and the Performing & Production Arts.

Originating from universities across Scotland, the six standout projects are rooted in vastly different fields, reflecting the remarkable diversity of talent within Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. From academics developing clean energy technologies to tackle climate change, to creative entrepreneurs transforming artistic practice into sustainable businesses, all six are united in the common goal of using innovation to address the issues that matter most.

One of two finalists in the Hydrogen Challenge – a category developed in collaboration with the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator, an initiative supported by the Henry Royce Institute to help academics commercialise hydrogen innovations – is Heriot-Watt University start-up, Waste2Watt. Founded by Postgraduate research student, Michael Walsh, the project is developing green hydrogen technology that uses wastewater instead of freshwater, creating clean energy while easing the pressure on already-strained water sources.

One of four finalists in the Performing & Production Arts Challenge – a category co-developed in association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to help university innovators transform creative skills into sustainable businesses – is Mimetolith, a University of Stirling project founded by Postgraduate student, Issac Burnett. Using physical theatre and storytelling, the project aims to empower individuals in the criminal justice system including people affected by crime.

Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge comments:

“From creative entrepreneurs reimagining theatre to academic innovators developing clean energy, our second wave of finalists represents the bold thinking and real-world impact that emerge when we empower the full breadth and brilliance of university talent to address the problems that matter most.”

A big well done to all our finalists – we can’t wait to see the real and lasting impact these projects will make”

For finalist details, see below:

Hydrogen Challenge:

Performing & Production Arts Challenge: