Converge

Converge was developed to increase and accelerate the pipeline of new companies based on University IP and talent and has since evolved into a key national programme, open to all staff, students and recent graduates from all Scottish universities who are interested in starting and growing an innovative business.  

Converge bridges the gap between academic research and commercialisation through competitive challenges that provide prizes and awards to promising university spin outs to enable them to develop and grow.  

Prizes provide university spin outs with valuable funding without equity or other requirements. For example, Converge’s 2021 Impact Challenge winner put its £30,000 cash prize towards the match funding needed to secure a smart grant from Scottish Enterprise. 

Core funding is provided from SFC and all 19 Scottish universities contribute funding, a reflection of its value in Scotland’s innovation system.   

SFC will provide funding of £478,5000 to Converge in 2025-26.