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Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director at Converge

Converge, Scotland’s leading entrepreneurial development programme for universities and research institutes, has officially opened for applications to its 2024 programme.

More than £280,000 in funding and support is available to the winners and runners-up across four challenge categories; Converge, Create Change, KickStart, and Net Zero. Those who make the cut will also enjoy access to the advice, networking events, and training that make Converge a highly regarded company creation initiative.

Part-funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Converge has supported more than 670 people to launch more than 420 companies over the last 13 years and has raised £360 million in follow-on funding along the way. Companies formed by Converge alumni have an 80% survival rate after three years.

Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director of Converge, said:

“Converge is committed to empowering and supporting the next generation of diverse founders and innovators who are driven by purpose and passion to make a difference in the world.

“We take a collaborative, ecosystem approach – working closely with universities, research institutes, investors, corporate partners and other organisations to help these brave individuals turn their dreams into reality. By backing talented, mission-led founders and connecting them to the full range of Scotland’s entrepreneurial support system, we can have an even greater collective impact.

“Whether it’s a climate-focused business like Robocean who won the 2022 Converge Net Zero Challenge or a company addressing other societal needs, our goal is to foster more inclusive innovation and harness Scotland’s spirit of invention to build a better future.”

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