QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. International Keynote Speaker Dr. Yuval Dror, Visionary, Researcher and Author from Israel talks AI in QODE Central.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day Two conference studying a number of industries – both emerging and established – and the opportunities, challenges and threats that new digital technologies are presenting. Attendees enjoy the Regional Innovators breakfast.

The third edition of the Social Good Summit Geneva, concluded at the Credit Suisse Forum in Geneva, brought together 24 best-in-class emerging-markets entrepreneurs pitching scale-ready products and services to impact investors, addressing 12 out of 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s Summit, created by UNDP Geneva, and held alongside the World Investment Forum, featured pitches on Access to Health and Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, Agritech and Fintech.

© Antoine Tardy/UNDP

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day Two conference studying a number of industries – both emerging and established – and the opportunities, challenges and threats that new digital technologies are presenting. TELSTRA CEO Andy Penn tours the conference

More than 35 experts from around North America will be in Kelowna to share their knowledge and opinions about increasing food supply security as part of the Nov. 14-15, 2016, BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference: Growing the Future Together.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0070-002296

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day Two conference studying a number of industries – both emerging and established – and the opportunities, challenges and threats that new digital technologies are presenting.

**Pics free to use**

Minister for Trade, Investment Ivan Paul McKee Minister and the Entrepreneurs, Dr Lorna Paul director and founder of giraffe health

News release

26 JUNE 2019

SCOTLAND’S NEXT GENERATION ENTREPRENEURS UNLOCK THEIR AMBITION

20 of Scotland’s most promising and ambitious entrepreneurs have achieved significant growth in the last 12 months following an RSE enterprise programme

Twenty entrepreneurs with early stage companies are celebrating their successes following a year-long programme of funding, training, mentorship and academic support from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship (UA EF) scheme funded by the Scottish Government.

Selected in June 2018 after a competitive process, the UA Enterprise Fellows received a £25,000-50,000 maintenance grant plus £20,000 to work full-time on developing and scaling their business idea and to literally unlock their ambition. They had visiting status at a Scottish university or research institute, tailored business training, and a dedicated mentor from the world of business.

The results are impressive: between them, in the first year alone, they have employed over 50 people; appointed 37 new board members; secured over 2,700 customers, contracts and users; negotiated 16 investment deals; and won 19 award nominations. They have also realised important business milestones, including spin-out company formation, market research to inform product development, establishment of scalable business models, development of prototypes to viable product launch, and identification of new commercial markets.

The budding companies include an insect breeding company creating high performance genetics for the insects-as-feed industry; a social enterprise that gifts bespoke clothing parcels to women in clothing crisis; and a company that has created a digital companion to support carers of people living with dementia.

As Scotland’s national academy, the RSE encourages enterprise, innovation and the commercialisation of technology-based ideas developed from academic research. Under the Unlocking Ambition initiative, the RSE’s programme has been designed specifically to support the development of new, innovative high-growth businesses based in Scotland.

Professor Dame Anne Glover, RSE President said:

“Scotland has a global reputation for innovation, and we need to maintain that entrepreneurial spirit. It’s vital that we have a sustainable approach to supporting start-ups that create high quality jobs, boost the Scottish economy and change lives through new ideas.

“The RSE’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship was designed with those goals in mind and participants have grasped the opportunity, with some fantastic results after just 12 months. Time, money, and expert advice and guidance are key to turning a bright idea into a viable business with long-term potential and our programme has offered all of these to early-stage businesses with masses of potential. These companies are the employers of tomorrow, innovating for the future, and we have helped them to take huge strides forward in their growth journey towards being Scotland’s business success stories.”

Thomas Farrugia, founder and director at Beta Bugs Ltd is one of the 20 entrepreneurs. Beta Bugs is an insect-breeding company, creating genetics for the rapidly emerging ‘insects-as-feed’ industry. He said:

“None of our achievements or plans we now have would have been possible without the support provided by this Fellowship. It has truly been game-changing. The training and mentoring has challenged and changed my mindset, whilst teaching me about the realities of business. It has opened doors to Scotland’s animal bioscience, agritech and aquaculture sectors, creating crucial opportunities for growth, and has provided the funds to build the business and ready it for the next phase of development.”

The RSE Enterprise Fellowship is part of the Unlocking Ambition Challenge, announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in November 2017. All 20 entrepreneurs will meet the First Minister at an evening reception on Wednesday 26th June to share their achievements.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued by Clark Communications on behalf of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Contact Angela Hughes angela@clarkcommunications.co.uk / 07970 184 198

Photos attached: group photo of 11 out of the 20 participants; head shot of Professor Dame Anne Glover

Details of the twenty RSE Enterprise Fellows are online at www.rse.org.uk/rse-unlocking-ambition-enterprise-fellows-...

Unlocking Ambition (UA) is a £4M challenge fund created by the Scottish Government as part of the Programme for Government, ‘A Nation with Ambition’. UA has supported 40 highly ambitious entrepreneurs based on their individual entrepreneurial potential, the quality and innovation of their business and the contribution they can make to an inclusive, Scottish economy. Twenty individuals have been supported by the RSE’s programme and 20 through a separate Scottish Enterprise programme. UA fully aligns with the Scottish Government’s agenda on inclusive growth and the CAN DO movement, underpinning Scotland’s ambition to position the nation as a world-class hub for entrepreneurship.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

More than 35 experts from around North America will be in Kelowna to share their knowledge and opinions about increasing food supply security as part of the Nov. 14-15, 2016, BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference: Growing the Future Together.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0070-002296

**Pics free to use**

FODilicious Founder Lauren Leisk

26 JUNE 2019

SCOTLAND’S NEXT GENERATION ENTREPRENEURS UNLOCK THEIR AMBITION

20 of Scotland’s most promising and ambitious entrepreneurs have achieved significant growth in the last 12 months following an RSE enterprise programme

Twenty entrepreneurs with early stage companies are celebrating their successes following a year-long programme of funding, training, mentorship and academic support from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship (UA EF) scheme funded by the Scottish Government.

Selected in June 2018 after a competitive process, the UA Enterprise Fellows received a £25,000-50,000 maintenance grant plus £20,000 to work full-time on developing and scaling their business idea and to literally unlock their ambition. They had visiting status at a Scottish university or research institute, tailored business training, and a dedicated mentor from the world of business.

The results are impressive: between them, in the first year alone, they have employed over 50 people; appointed 37 new board members; secured over 2,700 customers, contracts and users; negotiated 16 investment deals; and won 19 award nominations. They have also realised important business milestones, including spin-out company formation, market research to inform product development, establishment of scalable business models, development of prototypes to viable product launch, and identification of new commercial markets.

The budding companies include an insect breeding company creating high performance genetics for the insects-as-feed industry; a social enterprise that gifts bespoke clothing parcels to women in clothing crisis; and a company that has created a digital companion to support carers of people living with dementia.

As Scotland’s national academy, the RSE encourages enterprise, innovation and the commercialisation of technology-based ideas developed from academic research. Under the Unlocking Ambition initiative, the RSE’s programme has been designed specifically to support the development of new, innovative high-growth businesses based in Scotland.

Professor Dame Anne Glover, RSE President said:

“Scotland has a global reputation for innovation, and we need to maintain that entrepreneurial spirit. It’s vital that we have a sustainable approach to supporting start-ups that create high quality jobs, boost the Scottish economy and change lives through new ideas.

“The RSE’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship was designed with those goals in mind and participants have grasped the opportunity, with some fantastic results after just 12 months. Time, money, and expert advice and guidance are key to turning a bright idea into a viable business with long-term potential and our programme has offered all of these to early-stage businesses with masses of potential. These companies are the employers of tomorrow, innovating for the future, and we have helped them to take huge strides forward in their growth journey towards being Scotland’s business success stories.”

Thomas Farrugia, founder and director at Beta Bugs Ltd is one of the 20 entrepreneurs. Beta Bugs is an insect-breeding company, creating genetics for the rapidly emerging ‘insects-as-feed’ industry. He said:

“None of our achievements or plans we now have would have been possible without the support provided by this Fellowship. It has truly been game-changing. The training and mentoring has challenged and changed my mindset, whilst teaching me about the realities of business. It has opened doors to Scotland’s animal bioscience, agritech and aquaculture sectors, creating crucial opportunities for growth, and has provided the funds to build the business and ready it for the next phase of development.”

The RSE Enterprise Fellowship is part of the Unlocking Ambition Challenge, announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in November 2017. All 20 entrepreneurs will meet the First Minister at an evening reception on Wednesday 26th June to share their achievements.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued by Clark Communications on behalf of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Contact Angela Hughes angela@clarkcommunications.co.uk / 07970 184 198

Photos attached: group photo of 11 out of the 20 participants; head shot of Professor Dame Anne Glover

Details of the twenty RSE Enterprise Fellows are online at www.rse.org.uk/rse-unlocking-ambition-enterprise-fellows-...

Unlocking Ambition (UA) is a £4M challenge fund created by the Scottish Government as part of the Programme for Government, ‘A Nation with Ambition’. UA has supported 40 highly ambitious entrepreneurs based on their individual entrepreneurial potential, the quality and innovation of their business and the contribution they can make to an inclusive, Scottish economy. Twenty individuals have been supported by the RSE’s programme and 20 through a separate Scottish Enterprise programme. UA fully aligns with the Scottish Government’s agenda on inclusive growth and the CAN DO movement, underpinning Scotland’s ambition to position the nation as a world-class hub for entrepreneurship.

The Chicken Fighting Association, or CFA, has become a major part of society in the year 2060. With the chicken flu of 2047 wiping out most real chickens and the breeding and keeping of chickens now prohibited, the CFA has stepped in to fill the void with their robotic chicken fights. These robots, controlled by advanced AI, are programmed to act like the now extinct chickens of the past and are subject to strict restrictions on their construction.

The chicken flu of 2047 was a devastating virus that swept through the global chicken population, killing millions of birds and crippling the poultry industry. The virus, believed to have originated in Asia, spread rapidly due to the high concentration of chickens in factory farms and the ease of transportation of live birds. The symptoms of the virus were severe, causing respiratory distress, organ failure, and ultimately death. Many people lost relatives to the flu, making the sight of chickens unbearable for many, but the CFA has been able to bring back the excitement of chicken fighting in a new form.

The CFA has become a major source of entertainment for people all over the world, with fans tuning in to watch the robotic chickens furiously fight each other for the title of Golden Chicken. The fights are a sight to behold, as the robots are programmed to act like real chickens, displaying their natural aggression and determination to win. The CFA has also become a major source of income for many people as they are able to bet on the fights, with large sums of credits being exchanged during the event. The CFA has also become a worldwide spectacle, with people tuning in from all over the world to watch the fights.

The two most accomplished chicken fighters in the CFA are "Cluck Norris" and "Fowl Fury". Cluck Norris is a veteran of the CFA, known for his aggressive fighting style and lightning-fast pecks. Fowl Fury, on the other hand, is a newer addition to the CFA, but has quickly made a name for himself with his agility and ability to dodge his opponent's attacks. The fight between Cluck Norris and Fowl Fury was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. From the opening bell, the two robots were locked in a fierce battle, with Cluck Norris relying on his brute strength and Fowl Fury on his agility. The fight was back and forth, with both robots landing powerful blows. But in the end, it was Fowl Fury who emerged victorious, using his agility to dodge Cluck Norris's final attack and land the winning blow.

It's hard to believe that in the past, real chickens were used for fighting, a practice that seems barbaric in today's times. But it was a part of culture in the past and the CFA has managed to keep this tradition alive in a new and more technologically advanced form. The future of chicken fighting may seem bleak, but thanks to the CFA and their robotic chickens, the tradition lives on. Despite the emotional weight that chickens carry for many people, the excitement of the fights is undeniable, making the CFA a must-watch for many.

QODE DAY 1 Official Launch of QODE Brisbane, Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Green Deck, Parliament House, Brisbane Australia. QLD Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Holland Park West Brisbane City Councillor Krista Adams addresses the attendees

QODE DAY 1 Official Launch of QODE Brisbane, Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Green Deck, Parliament House, Brisbane Australia

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space.

The panel discussion on ‘Agritech’ was held at India-UK TECH Summit on 8 November. They discussed about precision agriculture, agri equipment and research opportunities between UK and India. The discussion was held as part of the India-UK TECH Summit in New Delhi, 7-9 November 2016. Follow us on Twitter @UKinIndia

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day Two conference studying a number of industries – both emerging and established – and the opportunities, challenges and threats that new digital technologies are presenting.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

More students will have access to in-demand programs as 3,000 more technology-relevant spaces become available in the public post-secondary education system.

Spaces will include a range of areas, including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, life sciences, creative tech, clean tech and agritech.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/28731

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

The UK and India co-hosted FutureTech Festival (FTF) 11-12 December 2018. FTF brought together more than 200 companies and 1000 delegates across two days, featuring world-leading Indian and UK Tech companies, along with scientists, policy-makers and entrepreneurs. Satellite events took place in Bengaluru and Mumbai where companies from various sectors like agritech, createch, healthcare & life sciences and tech & smart cities participated. Follow us on Twitter @UKinIndia

The UK and India co-hosted FutureTech Festival (FTF) 11-12 December 2018. FTF brought together more than 200 companies and 1000 delegates across two days, featuring world-leading Indian and UK Tech companies, along with scientists, policy-makers and entrepreneurs. Satellite events took place in Bengaluru and Mumbai where companies from various sectors like agritech, createch, healthcare & life sciences and tech & smart cities participated. Follow us on Twitter @UKinIndia

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day Two conference studying a number of industries – both emerging and established – and the opportunities, challenges and threats that new digital technologies are presenting. TELSTRA CEO Andy Penn tours the conference

Photo by Jaime Cummings, NYSIPM

More students will have access to in-demand programs as 3,000 more technology-relevant spaces become available in the public post-secondary education system.

Spaces will include a range of areas, including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, life sciences, creative tech, clean tech and agritech.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/28731

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

Four British Columbia companies have each won $20,000 for developing B.C. tech to help solve a problem identified as part of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Innovation Council’s Innovation Challenge.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017AGRI0034-000626

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space.

More than 35 experts from around North America will be in Kelowna to share their knowledge and opinions about increasing food supply security as part of the Nov. 14-15, 2016, BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference: Growing the Future Together.

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0070-002296

News release

26 JUNE 2019

SCOTLAND’S NEXT GENERATION ENTREPRENEURS UNLOCK THEIR AMBITION

20 of Scotland’s most promising and ambitious entrepreneurs have achieved significant growth in the last 12 months following an RSE enterprise programme

Twenty entrepreneurs with early stage companies are celebrating their successes following a year-long programme of funding, training, mentorship and academic support from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship (UA EF) scheme funded by the Scottish Government.

Selected in June 2018 after a competitive process, the UA Enterprise Fellows received a £25,000-50,000 maintenance grant plus £20,000 to work full-time on developing and scaling their business idea and to literally unlock their ambition. They had visiting status at a Scottish university or research institute, tailored business training, and a dedicated mentor from the world of business.

The results are impressive: between them, in the first year alone, they have employed over 50 people; appointed 37 new board members; secured over 2,700 customers, contracts and users; negotiated 16 investment deals; and won 19 award nominations. They have also realised important business milestones, including spin-out company formation, market research to inform product development, establishment of scalable business models, development of prototypes to viable product launch, and identification of new commercial markets.

The budding companies include an insect breeding company creating high performance genetics for the insects-as-feed industry; a social enterprise that gifts bespoke clothing parcels to women in clothing crisis; and a company that has created a digital companion to support carers of people living with dementia.

As Scotland’s national academy, the RSE encourages enterprise, innovation and the commercialisation of technology-based ideas developed from academic research. Under the Unlocking Ambition initiative, the RSE’s programme has been designed specifically to support the development of new, innovative high-growth businesses based in Scotland.

Professor Dame Anne Glover, RSE President said:

“Scotland has a global reputation for innovation, and we need to maintain that entrepreneurial spirit. It’s vital that we have a sustainable approach to supporting start-ups that create high quality jobs, boost the Scottish economy and change lives through new ideas.

“The RSE’s Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship was designed with those goals in mind and participants have grasped the opportunity, with some fantastic results after just 12 months. Time, money, and expert advice and guidance are key to turning a bright idea into a viable business with long-term potential and our programme has offered all of these to early-stage businesses with masses of potential. These companies are the employers of tomorrow, innovating for the future, and we have helped them to take huge strides forward in their growth journey towards being Scotland’s business success stories.”

Thomas Farrugia, founder and director at Beta Bugs Ltd is one of the 20 entrepreneurs. Beta Bugs is an insect-breeding company, creating genetics for the rapidly emerging ‘insects-as-feed’ industry. He said:

“None of our achievements or plans we now have would have been possible without the support provided by this Fellowship. It has truly been game-changing. The training and mentoring has challenged and changed my mindset, whilst teaching me about the realities of business. It has opened doors to Scotland’s animal bioscience, agritech and aquaculture sectors, creating crucial opportunities for growth, and has provided the funds to build the business and ready it for the next phase of development.”

The RSE Enterprise Fellowship is part of the Unlocking Ambition Challenge, announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in November 2017. All 20 entrepreneurs will meet the First Minister at an evening reception on Wednesday 26th June to share their achievements.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued by Clark Communications on behalf of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Contact Angela Hughes angela@clarkcommunications.co.uk / 07970 184 198

Photos attached: group photo of 11 out of the 20 participants; head shot of Professor Dame Anne Glover

Details of the twenty RSE Enterprise Fellows are online at www.rse.org.uk/rse-unlocking-ambition-enterprise-fellows-...

Unlocking Ambition (UA) is a £4M challenge fund created by the Scottish Government as part of the Programme for Government, ‘A Nation with Ambition’. UA has supported 40 highly ambitious entrepreneurs based on their individual entrepreneurial potential, the quality and innovation of their business and the contribution they can make to an inclusive, Scottish economy. Twenty individuals have been supported by the RSE’s programme and 20 through a separate Scottish Enterprise programme. UA fully aligns with the Scottish Government’s agenda on inclusive growth and the CAN DO movement, underpinning Scotland’s ambition to position the nation as a world-class hub for entrepreneurship.

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

The #BCTECH Summit is the largest technology conference in British Columbia showcasing the province’s vibrant technology industry. From innovations in eHealth data, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the two-day event gives participants the information and tools needed to move forward in a world where technology is impacting every part of our economy – and our lives.

The #BCTECH Summit brings together tech entrepreneurs, anchor companies, business leaders from traditional industries, investors, government and academia to establish new connections, nurture existing networks, and exchange fresh ideas around innovation driving business growth.

Learn more: bctechsummit.ca/

QODE Brisbane, QLD Australia. Australasia’s leading global forum for innovation & technology held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. QODE Central Day One in Brisbane focusing on the technologies that are set to have the biggest impact in our working and private lives: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Robotics, Cyber Security, Next Generation Transport, Smart City tech and Space. After hours business networking event at The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane.

The third edition of the Social Good Summit Geneva, concluded at the Credit Suisse Forum in Geneva, brought together 24 best-in-class emerging-markets entrepreneurs pitching scale-ready products and services to impact investors, addressing 12 out of 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s Summit, created by UNDP Geneva, and held alongside the World Investment Forum, featured pitches on Access to Health and Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, Agritech and Fintech.

© Antoine Tardy/UNDP