Your Entrepreneurial Journey Starts Here

Completing your application is just the first step on your Converge journey. If successful, you’ll be part of a dynamic cohort of like-minded individuals all focused on turning their bright business idea into a valuable proposition and a successful company.

Some of the highlights along the way include bespoke business training, live pitching and the chance to meet and learn from our network of professional partners.

APRIL

Application Deadline

Make sure you submit your application by 12 noon on Wednesday 3 April 2024. Need help with your application? Our Enterprise team hosts regular workshops on key aspects of business creation, or you can reach out to them for bespoke advice.

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MAY-JUNE

Business Training & Pitch Coaching

Many of our alumni tell us that one of the most valuable parts of their Converge experience is our money-can’t-buy business training programme.

Delivered by EBS, training experts with real-world experience of starting and growing companies, the course includes a combination of on-demand modules and in-person and online training. 

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JUNE

Networking & Pitching Competitions

As part of your face-to-face training, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with our suite of professional partners – experts across a number of fields including IP, legal, accounting, product design and more. 

If you’re in one of our advanced cohorts, you’ll also be invited to pitch live to an audience of investors and business influencers at our Inside Innovation event on 5 June.

 

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JULY

Business Plan & 1-Minute Video Pitch Submission

It’s now time to send us your business plan. Everyone in our advanced categories should submit an 8-page business plan, financial forecast and 1-minute video pitch. For KickStart we need a 5-page business case and 1-minute video pitch. Make sure you get this to us by noon on Wednesday 31 July at the latest.

If you’re eligible, August is also the time to apply for one of our Special Awards. Sponsored by IBioIC and CENSIS, each prize includes cash and a package of benefits.

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SEPTEMBER

Investment Training & Finalist Photoshoot

If you’ve been shortlisted, we’ll let you know in early September and invite you to take part in a special finalist photoshoot! Everyone in our advanced categories will also be invited to attend investment training.

 

 

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SEPTEMBER

Live Pitching to Judging Panel

If you’re a finalist, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice by pitching your idea live to our panel of external judges. It’s then onto our Awards on 3 October with all finalists invited to attend.

 

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OCTOBER

Awards event

Congratulations if you’ve made it this far! You’re now in the running to win a game-changing prize package that includes equity-free cash and in-kind business support from our network of professional partners. Good luck!

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NOVEMBER AND BEYOND...

Alumni support

Dedicated events, workshops, access to the Converge Enterprise team and opportunities to get involved in future activities and publicity.

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Are you ready for the challenge?

Ready to take the leap? Now you need to decide with challenge is right for you. 

Converge Challenge

For innovations with strong commercial potential & solid IP Find out more

Net Zero Challenge

For climate-conscious innovators Find out more

Create Change Challenge

For social, creative or cultural projects Find out more

Kickstart Challenge

For trail-blazing projects with the potential to scale Find out more