Eleven academic innovators connected to the University of Aberdeen are about to embark on the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey as Converge announces its latest programme cohort.
Having received a record-breaking number of applications from Universities across Scotland, the judging panels had their work cut out to select the projects with the most exciting innovation and commercial potential.
The Aberdeen start-ups and spinouts will begin their Converge journey later this month, starting with intensive training to gain the entrepreneurial foundations they will need to succeed.
Led by entrepreneurs with experience of starting and running successful companies, the programme gives successful projects the opportunity to test and validate their business ideas, experience live pitching and peer-to-peer networking. Later in the programme, a £400,000 prize fund is at stake for the most promising projects.
The University of Aberdeen innovations are across a number of categories:
In the Net Zero Challenge:
With data centres tripling energy demand by 2030 and GPU shortages stretching beyond six months, Catalyst Neuromorphic is a project led by Henry Shulayev Barnes which offers a neuromorphic processor providing a fundamentally different path for AI hardware.
CCS Ecosystem is a carbon capture and storage (CCS) software platform that enables carbon storage developers design, evaluate, and de-risk CO₂ capture, transport, and storage projects faster. The project is led by Ednilson Mburine.
RapidSOH, led by Patrick Umeadi, is a software platform that enables battery refurbishers to decide within minutes whether used electric vehicle (EV) batteries should be reused or recycled.
In the KickStart Challenge:
Led by Aryan Batheja, DermaSetu AI is an AI-driven dermatology tool designed to dramatically shorten NHS diagnostic waiting times by providing fast, reliable, and equitable analysis of a broad range of skin conditions.
HyCCS-Materials,led by Prashant Jadhawar, is developing novel materials - protective coatings, composite liners, and wellbore-compatible formulations - that unlock asset reuse across Carbon Capture and Storage, and Underground Hydrogen Storage, projects.
LDW Technologies, led by David McBey, is developing a rapid, in-field soil nitrate sensing platform to help growers make better nitrogen decisions.
Belonging Quotient is a research-led spin-out concept from the University of Aberdeen providing a standardised accessibility audit and accreditation service. Led by Shannon Babbie, the project helps organisations enact practical improvements that address sensory barriers and create more welcoming environments.
A single AI-powered workspace, Unyvo’s Apt-Aura platform matches students, graduates and early-stage startups with the right people and opportunities based on goals and context, not keywords. The project is led by Nikhil Janugama
In the Converge Challenge:
Mohammad Arastoo (prospective TauBioGenix) and colleagues are developing a potent monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies.
Scensai is developing an affordable handheld electronic nose for beverage quality control. An alternative to subjective human sensory assessment, the device gives an objective chemical reading on the production floor, by any member of staff without specialist training. The project is led by Marcus Campbell Bannerman.
Dementia affects millions worldwide yet current routine diagnostics are slow, costly and often miss early changes. WellBrain Ltd, led by Bettina Platt, is developing a quick, easy, and accessible way to assess brain health using brain activity recordings combined with advanced data analysis.
Dr Heather May Morgan, Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation), said: It is hugely encouraging to see such strong representation of University-led innovation in this year’s cohort, reflecting both the depth of talent within our academic community and the real-world impact of our research.
“We place immense importance on supporting spin-outs and entrepreneurial activity at the University. Transforming ideas into viable businesses is a vital part of how we deliver societal, economic and environmental impact, and initiatives like Converge play a crucial role in accelerating that journey. By connecting innovators with funding, mentorship and networks, Converge helps turn promising concepts into scalable solutions.
“We are proud to see our innovators recognised in this highly competitive programme and remain committed to fostering a culture where creativity, collaboration and commercialisation can thrive. These successes demonstrate the strength of our innovation ecosystem and underline our ambition to support the next generation of founders who will shape the future economy.”
Executive director of Converge, Adam Kosterka welcomed the announcement of the 2026 cohort by saying: “Each year the quality of applications to our programme astonishes us with the breadth and depth of innovation displayed. The 2026 cohort is very strong and we are looking forward to working with them as they take the next steps towards making their ideas a commercial reality.”
The full list of cohort members can be found here.