Cutting-edge start-ups celebrate success
Five Edinburgh start-ups have won nearly £300,000 in a competition that supports Scottish entrepreneurs.
The growing enterprises were successful in the final of Scottish EDGE - a £5million initiative that supports high-growth businesses.
Enterprising engineers
Three of the award-winning Edinburgh companies have links to the University’s School of Engineering.
Float Ltd, a software company that generates cash flow forecasts, won a £100,000 prize. It was started by an Engineering alumnus.
Photon Force Ltd, which provides sensors that precisely detect and measure single photons, was awarded £65,000. The company was founded by a post-doctoral Engineering student.
The third prizewinning company with a link to Engineering is Turtle Pack, which received a £10,000 prize. It produces flotation devices that are set to transform the learn-to-swim market.
Start-up success
A company with strong ties to Edinburgh College of Art was awarded a £100,000 prize. Krotos Ltd creates vocal processors that are used in films, video games and theatre.
EuroBiotix, which has roots in the School of Medicine, won £12,500 prize. It is a social enterprise that is providing transplant material to medical professionals.
Supporting entrepreneurial talent
Scottish EDGE is led by a Board of seasoned entrepreneurs, bankers and public sector supporters.
The initiative is backed by entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter, the Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and the Scottish Government. The majority of its funding is from the private sector.
All the winning companies were supported by Edinburgh Research and Innovation, the University’s commercialisation office, and LAUNCH.ed, Edinburgh’s programme for student entrepreneurs.
Edinburgh is amongst the most entrepreneurial universities in the United Kingdom. The first class support provided by the University and the wider enterprise support network play an important role, not only in the student experience but in delivering impact for the world class research coming out of our University.