We are open to ideas from all sectors, product- or a service-based and at any stages of development. Whether you are aiming to establish the next Facebook, develop a new drug or are on a mission to improve quality of life within your community through a Social Enterprise, we are there to help.
Converge Challenge consists of 4-stages that take place from March to September where participants deliver an executive summary of their idea, elevator pitch, a business plan and an investor pitch. And we are there to provide practical, hands-on help at every step. We offer seminar, webinars, 1-2-1 surgeries, residential training and mentorship.
Converge Challenge was established in 2010. Since then we have trained 120 potential entrepreneurs. Around 30% of our participants went on to set up companies and 4 out of 5 of those have already raised follow-on funding through sales, grants or investment.
But what happens to the other 70%, you ask. They might not be ready to start a business now but by simply going through the process they gain valuable skills of how to deliver presentations, negotiate, carry our market research and create a financial plan. These skills make students more employable and provide researchers and academics with an opportunity to increase interactions with industry.
The Converge Challenge ethos is all about Creating new Entrepreneurs. It does not mean that we expect everybody who enters the programme to set up a company. Our aim is to make you more entrepreneurial in your life and your career, whether you ultimately choose to work for yourself, for a University or a company.
I hope that you decide to give it a try and enter by the 2nd of May 2014 at www.convergechallenge.com We’ll be there to provide advice and support. Now it’s up to you
Can you rise to the Challenge?
