Founder Stories

Looking for inspiration?

Browse our case studies, podcasts and videos featuring people who have bridged the gap from academia to real-world businesses.

Take a look – or listen – to their inspiring stories.

A series of inspiring stories from academic founders who have taken part in the Converge programme.

> Listen to them here

SolarisKit

Faisal Ghani founded SolarisKit to bring affordable solar energy to underserved communities. Listen to his remarkable story here.

Getting pitch perfect: how to communicate your business idea clearly and credibly

New entrepreneurs can often be so wrapped up in their brilliant idea that they fail to communicate it clearly to…

Conversations with people who have combined their academic work with entrepreneurial ventures.

> Listen to the full series here

I’ve learned more from my failures than from my successes – Andy Porter

“I’m able to identify pitfalls and bottlenecks.” with Christopher Leburn

A collection of short films celebrating our alumni and their achievements since taking part in our programme.

> Take a look

Kenoteq – revolutionising construction one brick at a time

Dr Sam Chapman, co-founder of Kenoteq, talks about his mission to make building more sustainable with bricks made from recycled…

Dxcover – pioneering a revolutionary way to detect cancers

Dr Holly Butler of Dxcover talks about her company’s diagnostic innovation and how Converge has been instrumental in taking the…

A catalogue of in-depth case studies from alumni building remarkable businesses.

> Read them here

Fantasy Fibre Mill

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.

Earth Blox

High-growth climate tech company, Earth Blox, has experienced exponential growth since winning the Converge Challenge category in 2020. Find out about their story here.