Robert Gordon University (RGU) is on the hunt for more north-east entrepreneurs among its current and former student body to boost the region’s future economy.
The application process for its 2023 start-up accelerator is up and running.
Prospective participants – either current students of the university or alumni who have graduated within the past five years – have until Sunday December 11 to apply via the RGU website.
RGU’s start-up accelerator programme helps early-stage entrepreneurs grow their innovative ideas into successful businesses.
We’re still as passionate as ever about driving innovation and supporting new impactful enterprises to contribute to Scotland’s economic prosperity.”
Chris Moule, head of entrepreneurship and innovation, RGU.
The scheme, now in its fifth year, is said to have supported 86 businesses that have gone on to create millions of pounds worth of economic impact across the region.
Looking forward to the 2023 edition, Chris Moule, head of entrepreneurship and innovation, RGU, said staff running the programme “can’t wait to see all the exciting ideas that applicants come up with”.
He added: “At RGU we now have an embedded culture of entrepreneurship, creativity and curiosity.
“We’re still as passionate as ever about driving innovation and supporting new impactful enterprises to contribute to Scotland’s economic prosperity.”
Cash, premises and other free business support up for grabs
Successful applicants who demonstrate innovative ideas could receive £2,000 in equity-free start-up funding, five months of skills development, free access to co-working facilities, industry mentor support, and opportunities to network and pitch with “key stakeholders”.
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Past participants have gone on to enjoy success in various award schemes.
For example, Andy Ridgway – founder of digital learning business Everybody Counts, from the accelerator’s 2022 cohort – was “highly commended” in the “create change” category of the recent Converge Awards – the largest company creation programme for Scottish universities.
Mr Ridgway won £10,000 in equity-free cash and £4,250 in business support.
Two Raccoons, a company which turns fruit waste into wine, was nominated in the same Converged Awards category after its owners graduating from an RGU accelerator.
Another “graduate” – aerial emission monitoring clean technology company Zephyrus Aerolabs was a recent Scottish Young Edge Finalist, winning £15,000, and also reached the finals in the Converge Awards, in the net-zero challenge category.
Meanwhile, technology company TrackGenesis – a 2020 accelerator participant – will go on to represent the north-east in the Tech Nation UK finals, having won the Rising Stars 5.0 regional event.
‘Supportive environment’ for entrepreneurs
RGU was nominated as one of the UK’s most entrepreneurial universities for last week’s Times Higher Education Awards in London.
Mr Moule said: “The university is very proud of all our start-up accelerator graduates.
“This recognition is testament to not only their hard work and dedication, but also to the supportive environment created by RGU which inspires and assists entrepreneurs on their journey.”
Conversation