Dundee University’s Dr Deborah Wake is a finalist in Converge Challenge, Scotland’s leading company creation competition and start up development programme for students, graduates and staff from universities.
Her entry, MyDiabetesMyWay, is an online platform to help people with all types of diabetes self-manage their condition, improve their quality of life and reduce health complications.
The finalists are competing for a total prize of £150,000 that includes access to a broad range of expert support and training through partners and sponsors.
The final is on September 22.
This year the Converge Challenge first place winner will also be placed in the next Scottish EDGE semifinals and have the opportunity to pitch on stage at EIE17 (Engage Invest Exploit) to present to key investors and stakeholders.
Alongside the first and second place prizes for the main Converge Challenge award category there is a £10,000 cash prize for the Design and Creativity Award introduced this year in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.
The 2016 Converge Challenge shortlist represents a range of sectors and technologies including: food and drink, engineering, medical devices and healthcare apps and online platforms.
Seventeen of Scotland’s universities have been represented among a record 212 applications.
Mervyn Jones, chairman of Converge Challenge and a member of the judging panel, said: “All finalists should be commended as this year’s competition has been the highest standard to date.
“Many of this year’s finalists are previous alumni and range from university spin-outs to student start-ups representing the versatility of the competition and the appetite for entrepreneurship within education.
“The strength of the business plans at this stage revealed that many of the projects are close to market and we look forward to meeting the finalists on the 22nd.”