HWU business challenge winner announced

Heriot-Watt University has named the winner of their prestigious entrepreneurial competition The Converge Challenge.

Adam Brown, a student at Strathclyde University gained first place for his idea 'Lumen Technology', a condition-monitoring software system whereby utility businesses can measure the life expectancy of their equipment.

Mr Brown won £45,000 in total, including £7,500 worth of legal and business support. The winner said he was "absolutely delighted", adding: "I now feel more confident about going out there and pitching my idea and hopefully turning it into a successful business."

The prize money was increased this year, to bring the winning amount in line with that awarded by SMART, a Scottish Enterprise programme.

Scottish Enterprise also supported the Converge Challenge. Their Commercialisation Director, Eleanor Mitchell described the competition as a "fantastic opportunity" and said that they will be "providing continuing support for Adam as he grows his company in Scotland."

Dr Olga Kovlova, the Enterprise Creation Manager at Heriot Watt, co-ordinates a monthly business seminar series at the University, which aims to teach potential entrepreneurs solid start-up skills.

She told The Journal: "I am delighted with the way the competition has been received…Converge Challenge has grown from strength to strength over the past two years and has attracted a lot of attention and support."

She continued by adding that "the idea behind Converge Challenge is that we help our winner to maximize the chances of success for their business venture.

"The network of mentors and advisors that our winner can access and the substantial cash prize will help [them] move faster towards a profitable sustainable business."

Second place went to Ahmed El-Rayis of Edinburgh University, for inventing an antenna which can reduce power transmissions for battery-operated items whilst also boosting signal strength.

The third prize was won by Heriot-Watt academic, Dr Farid Amalou. He developed a business plan for 'AccuFluidics', which develops microfluidics devices and chips for use in life sciences.