Amongst those projects named on the shortlist for the Scotland-wide entrepreneurial competition, Converge KickStart Challenge, is one from Strathclyde Business School’s Florian Schabus for his business idea Tremodent.
The project has reached the semi-finals of the Converge KickStart Challenge, an early-stage entrepreneurial development programme for university staff, students and recent graduates across Scotland.
The 32 semi-finalists of the competition will now be invited to take part in two days of intensive business training designed specifically for academic entrepreneurs. They will then be asked to submit a business case for a place in the final in February. The overall winner will receive £10,000, with £5,000 going to the runner-up.
Florian is one of six Strathclyde nominees. Florian’s idea is for a toothbrush enabling people affected by neurological disorders that cause involuntary shaking, such as Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor, to brush their teeth with ease. With the use of movement stabilising technology, Tremodent could help the 450,000 people in the UK who suffer from a severe form of tremor to brush their teeth independently
Tremodent has been supported by Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network, the University’s company creation and growth resource and support centre.
Converge Director Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo said, “Every year we wait for the KickStart application deadline with trepidation, not knowing how many or what type of projects will come through. However, the breadth and creativity of applications that the challenge attracts never fail to disappoint and this year is no exception.
“It’s also heartening to see so many universities responding to the climate emergency by supporting many incredible ideas and innovations that have the power to change lives. It’s great to see a new generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland joining the fight to keep our planet not only surviving but thriving.
“We look forward to working with our KickStart cohort in the months ahead and helping them refine and validate their early-stage business ideas through customer discovery training, pitch coaching and the wrap-around support offered by our team and partners.”