Edinburgh Innovations

16/12/2024

This page is now archived and not monitored. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and events: https://www.instagram.com/eistudents/

21/10/2024

We have decided to deactivate this page as the majority of our audience are using Instagram and TikTok more. This move has been made to reflect our engagement numbers and to allow for more resource to be spent on our other, more active, channels.

Please follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eistudents/

This page will be deactivated on Friday 1st November 2024.

08/10/2024

Don't miss the first Freelancer's Workshop taking place on Wednesday 23rd October.

Learn the basics of how to become a freelancer or sole trader and discover the wider support available with our service and beyond.

We will help you explore the possibility of becoming a freelancer or accelerating your already established freelancing journey.

Find out more and book via the link in our bio or searching: eil.ac/FreelancersWorkshop

24/09/2024

Student companies tackling global challenges pitched an expert panel for prizes in this year's Startup Accelerator. The winners are focusing on carbon capture, breastmilk donation and machine learning.

Teodora Handrea, Student Enterprise Manager at Edinburgh Innovations, said: "Our goal is to provide these start-ups with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to develop successful businesses, whether that is by bootstrapping, finding beachhead markets, or investment. We’re committed to helping them achieve their full potential and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Find out who won ➡️eil.ac/SuSA2024/F

Startups focused on carbon capture, breastmilk donation and machine learning took centre stage at this year’s Startup Summer Accelerator Showcase, where 13 student-founded companies pitched their transformative ideas to a panel of industry experts.

16/09/2024

Seven companies from The University of Edinburgh have made it through to the finals of this year’s Converge Challenge.

Featuring emerging technologies that could change the way we eat, live, and safeguard our planet, these companies will now compete for funding and business support from Converge, which nurtures university innovation.

Congratulations to all!

Read more: eil.ac/Converge2024finalists

05/09/2024

We are thrilled to be shortlisted for Outstanding Entrepreneurial University for The University of Edinburgh by 2024!

Our entrepreneurial ecosystem enabled 123 new staff and student companies and secured £108 million of investment in associated companies, thanks to our energetic enterprise and investment teams as well as the Data-Driven Hubs and world-class Edinburgh BioQuarter.

23/07/2024

You might have noticed we've updated our website.

Our refreshed website is part of a bigger project taking place across the University of Edinburgh. This new content management system has been designed to maintain an excellent experience for visitors to our websites and for colleagues who manage the content with new features and functionality.

The biggest difference for you, is the menu can now be found along the top of the site instead of running down the left-hand side.

Take a look now: eil.ac/Students

05/07/2024

Round up of current funding opportunities for startups 💸

Santander X UK Awards 2024 – Applications due by 16th July
A competition for innovative early-stage university businesses and entrepreneurs or incorporated UK businesses looking to scale. An opportunity to win up to £25,000 in equity-free funding and compete against the best early-stage business across Europe and Latin America in the Santander X Global Award. https://www.santanderx.com/en/sites/santander-x-uk-awards.html

Ignite – Applications due by 19th July
A competition for social entrepreneurs emerging from UK universities to come and pitch their social enterprise for the opportunity to win a share of £50,000 Impact Accelerator Fund. https://ignitecomp.co.uk/more-info/

Startup First Steps by Techscaler – Applications due by 24th July
13-week accelerator course for current and future tech startup founders and those looking to develop tech startup ideas to launch.
*Please, keep in mind that founders interested in joining the programme must first become a Techscaler member*
https://www.techscaler.co.uk/education/startup-first-steps?utm_campaign=Startup%20First%20Steps%20Autumn%202024&utm_source=partner_accelerateher&utm_medium=referral&mc_cid=38d33f8388&mc_eid=d343ebc353

Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge – Applications due by 31st July
A competition for young aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-30 years old with an idea, project or business solution that contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. An opportunity to win one of multiple grant awards of up to $10,000 USD to fund work that improves lives, helps communities, and protects the planet.
https://www.socialshifters.co/global-innovation-challenge/

The Pitch 2024 – Applications due by 7th August
A competition for UK-based businesses trading for less than four years. An opportunity to work with a pitching coach, connect with and pitch live to seed in front of 35,000 people.
https://thepitch.uk/

The Pitch is the UK’s biggest startup competition, providing advice, mentoring and investor introductions to ambitious businesses across the UK.

28/06/2024

Don't miss the last Startup Basics of the academic year - taking place next week!

This in-person version is a 'sprint' meaning a condensed version.

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.

For all current students and recent graduates from The University of Edinburgh

Find out more:

Our brand new Startup Basics programme can help kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in just 4 weeks.

12/06/2024

Are you an international student with aspirations of starting your own business in the UK? Join us for an in-depth webinar where we'll guide you through the complexities of the Innovator Founder Visa process, a critical step for non-EEA nationals aiming to set up a business in the UK.

We'll cover the highlights from the endorsing body, hear from alumni who have been through this process, learn more about other support services available and finish with an interactive Q&A session.

Wednesday 26th June, 11am - 1pm, online
Find out more and book now: eil.ac/VisaGuide

11/06/2024

Check out the Grant Funding opportunity hosted by Conception X, the UK’s leading cross-university deeptech venture programme, for an interactive workshop that will help you understand how to make successful grant applications and assess whether grants are the right source of funding for you.

This event is open to researchers, students and academic staff based in the East Midlands, North East, North West, Scotland and the South West.

What are grants? What are the pros and cons of grants? What to watch out for?

07/06/2024

Yesterday we celebrated our Inspire Launch Grow Awards, the Oscars of entrepreneurship at The University of Edinburgh and it was the biggest yet!

The winners from the Inspire, Launch and Grow categories each received £10,000 for their startups. The new Emerging Female Entrepreneur also took £10,000 home. The Moving Mountains Awards winners won £1,000 each for their startups too.

The winners:
⭐Inspire - Emerging Innovation Award winner: SeaSat
🌱Launch - Impact Award winner: Vet Sustain
🚀 Grow - Growth Innovation Award winner: RoadGauge

💥Emerging Female Entrepreneur winner: Kamila Malysz

🖌️Moving Mountains - Creative Enterprise of the Year winner: James Grossman
🤝Moving Mountains - Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative winner: ATTA Breastmilk Community

Congratulations to all winners and finalists. All finalists received £500 and further support.

It was fantastic to see so many people from the University and entrepreneurial ecosystem at out 9th ILG, in our beautiful new Edinburgh University Students' Association venue at the Pleasance!

Read the full story: eil.ac/ILGwin