Get paid to work on your sustainable startup idea this summer. Image If you are working on your business idea and want to take it to the next level, then the Startup Summer Accelerator is just for you.Described by previous participants as “the best programme in Edinburgh to accelerate your business from idea to reality”. This 12-week intensive learning and leadership online programme empowers students and recent alumni to become startup leaders. The greatest innovations of the next decade will be climate related and for this reason, we have partnered with the Edinburgh Earth Initiative to bring a climate and sustainability focus to the programme. The accelerator is primarily for businesses with a climate focus or with an idea that will help to advance any of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We’re looking for students who have an innovative business concept and can prove that there is a market need for their product or service. SHOWCASE Join us to hear pitches from the inspiring entrepreneurs who took part in our 2024 startup summer accelerator and celebrate our growing entrepreneurial community. Thursday 12th September, 2pm-5pm 50 George Square Book now 2024 cohort Startup nameLead student/alumniBrief descriptionSchool2B JumpsRosie ToobyInnovative showjump design increases horse welfare, rider safety and course building efficiency.Alumni from Moray House School of Education & SportQinara Swapnil Deshmukh Specializes in merging Quantum Computing with diverse fields, focusing on AI-driven healthcare solutions, quantum algorithm efficiency, and secure computational frameworks.Current student from the School of InformaticsSea SatSolomon White Using Satellite images to monitor oceans health specifically in the coast. To be used as a measure for ocean environmental vulnerability, assessing biological productivity, as well as, ecosystem developmen. Current student from the School of Engineering Road Gauge Elijah Hoole Hardware and software solutions for transport infrastructure inspection, covering pavement defect identification and measurement, geo-tagged asset management, and safety evaluation.Alumni from the School of InformaticsThriftFindFrancesca RobertsA personalised shopping assistant that can search across multiple secondhand e-commerce sites at once (like Depop, Vinted, eBay etc) and find the best pieces suited to the users preferences. Current student from the School of Biological Sciences QuantiPolyJoe Bradley Provides high-quality table-top devices to researchers and quality control teams for particle size measurementsCurrent student from School of Physics and AstronomyAlpha Earth ObservationOwen WilliamsProvides farmers with a user-friendly dashboard for monitoring a range of agricultural insights within their farm including crop health, soil moisture levels and early crop detection disease.Alumni from the School of Geosciences DuaBonEloise Bevan Developing a cost efficient hydrothermal carbonisation process for biochar production.Current student from the School of Engineering Brokyl ForecastingOleguer Simon CampsOffers a unique and cutting-edge SaaS platform that aims to make advanced forecasting technologies accessible to SMEsAlumni from the School of Mathematics GrarandorBence SzilagyiDeveloping invisible watermarks to protect digital identities and copyrights. These watermarks, designed for both copyright security and privacy enhancement. Current student from the School of InformaticsFlyFarmer Shalom Eneyi OshiUtilizes Black Soldier Fly Larvae to convert organic waste into sustainable feed for poultry and aquaculture production, thereby reducing food waste and promoting circular economy principles.Current student from the School of Geosciences Babet FoodsDorcas Babet KwofieSemi-finished baby cereals in a powder form for babies above 6 months old, adults and people like diabetic patients and vegetarians. The products contain nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates which keep the body healthy and energised.Current student from the School of Social and Political ScienceDjaraPharmaAhmend Konneh A health-tech platform that increases patients' access to affordable and quality medication in emerging economiesAlumni from the Business School ATTA Breastmilk CommunityTracy AhumuzaOver the past 3 years supported breastmilk donation to over 400 frail newborn babies whose life or quality of life would otherwise have been affected by the absence of human milk.Current student from the Business School Participants will receive:£3,000 in funding Weekly masterclass sessions on key startup topics such as market validation, finances, pitching, sustainability, marketing and more. Insights from Edinburgh startups and investors Peer to peer shared learning1-2-1 coaching, pitch practice and pitch deck design The opportunity to pitch in front of the Edinburgh startup community at the Demo Day Key details:The programme lasts for three months and takes place from 2nd June until 5th September The accelerator is fully online - there is no requirement to be in EdinburghThe accelerator concludes with a Demo Day where participants present a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges and the Edinburgh entrepreneurial community. We aim to have this Demo Day in-person, with options to present virtually for those who are not able to be physically present in Edinburgh. Eligibility:At least one co-founder must be a current student from the University of Edinburgh or have graduated in the last two years The person attending the sessions must be the University of Edinburgh student or graduateEach company must be able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week to building their business You must attend all of the workshops (most sessions are held at 10am - 12noon GMT on Tuesdays and ThursdaysIt is expected that participants fully engage and attend as many sessions as they can to receive the £3,000 in funding. Allowances will be made on a case-by-case basis, if a participant is unable to attend a session It is expected that participants fully engage and attend as many sessions as they can to receive the £3,000 in funding. For online sessions participants must have cameras on and microphones (where appropriate and possible). Allowances will be made on a case by case basis, if a participant is unable to attend a session. Take the leap, accelerate your business journey, and become a future startup leader. Now closed for applications. Will return in 2025. Edinburgh Innovations has played a pivotal role in supporting my entrepreneurial journey. The grant money I received has enabled me to fully dedicate my time and effort to SimPat over the summer, driving its development. Being part of the Startup Summer Accelerator cohort has connected me with a talented group of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment. The expertise, industry knowledge, mentorship and support offered has also been instrumental in guiding my startup’s growth.”2023 participant Before being accepted onto the Startup Summer Accelerator, I was a solo entrepreneur, collecting market research and storyboarding ideas, but with no real direction. I had all these big ideas but no idea how to make them a reality. While it is still early days, I can safely say I can see these ideas becoming a reality, this wouldn’t have been the case without Edinburgh Innovations. I have a network of friends and colleagues who are all in the same startup boat and it is reassuring to know I am not in it alone.2023 participant Image Not for you? Why not try...Inspire Launch Grow - competitionEnter our biggest competition to be in with a chance of winning part of £20,000 plus a choice of either a photography package or professional pitch-deck. For all students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh. Deadline 10am on 27th March.Find out more Startup Basics - programme Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the world of startups, our comprehensive Startup Basics programme is tailored to meet your needs. Equip yourself with the essential knowledge. resources and guidance to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. With a series of workshops that cover topics such as: validating your startup, prototyping, pitching and funding. Find out more and book now This article was published on 2024-07-01
