Excellence in life sciences at the University of Aberdeen has supported four projects to secure prizes worth £260,000 at this year's Scottish EDGE Awards.
A collective prize pot of £1.5 million was awarded to 31 enterprises at the event last week in Edinburgh.
University spin-out Brigid Bio took home the coveted Scottish Enterprise-supported Future EDGE award of £150,000. Co-founded by Dr Soumya Palliyil and Professor Carol Munro from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, the biotech company is pioneering the development of innovative immunotherapies for the treatment of life-threatening, drug-resistant fungal infections.
Dr Fiona Rudkin was awarded £85,000 for her University spin-out mycoBiologics, which develops novel biologics for systemic fungal infections using its proprietary FungoBiologic platform.
Student start up team ZygoteLink won a Wild Card prize of £10,000 for their work using advanced genomic analytics to improve cattle breeding through accurate sire selection, trait prediction and enhanced herd sustainability. Meanwhile, another student start up, developing a portable punch biopsy kit to help surgeons perform cancer diagnostics outside traditional hospital settings, secured funding as top Young EDGE Winner, supported by the Scottish Government, British Business Bank and Techscaler.
In addition, an app being developed in partnership with the University via Scottish Funding Council Innovation Vouchers, PCOS Buddy, was also awarded £10,000 as part of a Wild Card prize. The app, created by women’s health advocate and digital innovation leader Anji Sandhu, provides expert support and advice to those living with polycystic ovary syndrome.
The winners were joined by Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business and Employment, who delivered a special congratulatory message and acknowledged the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping Scotland’s future economy.
Dean for Enterprise and Innovation, Dr Heather May Morgan, said: “Being recognised through the Scottish EDGE Awards is a highly prestigious honour and showcases the impact of research projects, ideas and the importance of entrepreneurial mindset, which we are nurturing across the University.
“We are delighted to see our staff, student and graduate innovations recognised in this way and remain committed to supporting the next generation of enterprises created here at the University.”
As the UK’s largest funding competition for high-growth businesses, Scottish EDGE has now supported 712 businesses, providing a platform for companies to scale, create jobs and drive significant economic impact across the country.
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE said: “Emerging from our 26th round with such a strong cohort of new winners is testament to Scotland’s ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Each year, we witness remarkable ventures pushing boundaries, not only driving innovation, but shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking future. It’s a privilege to champion these visionaries as they turn bold ideas into lasting impact.”