Entrepreneurs at the University of Aberdeen were given the royal seal of approval when the Duke of York visited the University's ABVenture Zone on Monday, July 3rd.
Prince Andrew visited the start-up incubator while in Aberdeen as part of the Pitch@Palace on Tour project, which aims to help entrepreneurs make their business dreams become a reality.
He was greeted by Sir Ian Diamond and Lord Provost Barney Crockett, before meeting five entrepreneurs whose businesses are currently receiving support through ABVenture Zone, which is based in the MacRobert Building.
Earlier in the day the Prince had visited the Elevator business development enterprise in Bridge of Don, where he heard pitches from nine local entrepreneurs, including Rotimi Alabi, who formed his company RAB Microfluidics with support from the University.
The start-up offers oil analysis to businesses through ‘lab-on-a-chip’ technology, which Rotimi started to develop while working on his PhD in the School of Geosciences.
As one of only two successful pitches, he will now go on to the ‘boot camp’ stage of the programme in Hertfordshire, where he will be given support and mentoring on how to develop his business.
Commenting on the Duke of York’s visit, the Principal said: “We were delighted to welcome Prince Andrew to the ABVenture Zone, and introduce him to five dynamic entrepreneurs whose business ideas cover a range of disciplines from healthcare and digital literacy to energy use analysis.
“The Prince was very well informed and supportive of their efforts, and it was a pleasure to hear them speak so enthusiastically about their businesses and the support they have received from the University.
“We have a brilliant pedigree for growing and applying clever ideas, and our investment in the ABVenture Zone is testament to our commitment to helping our students achieve their dreams.”