The University of Aberdeen has secured three awards at the Converge Awards 2026, with its innovators recognised across the flagship net zero innovation and social enterprise categories.
The University was represented by four finalists in this year's competition, Scotland's leading challenge for university-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
Leading the celebrations was Scensai, which was named the winner of the prestigious overall Converge Challenge. Led by Dr Marcus Campbell Bannerman, the venture is developing an affordable handheld ‘electronic nose’ for beverage quality control, providing objective chemical analysis on the production floor without the need for specialist training or costly laboratory tests.
In the Net Zero Challenge, Catalyst Neuromorphic took the top prize. Led by Henry Shulayev Barnes, the venture is developing a neuromorphic processor that offers an alternative approach to AI hardware at a time when data centre energy demands continue to grow. Henry, aged 18 and a current student, is believed to be the youngest winner of the Net Zero Challenge award.
The University's third award came in the KickStart Challenge, where The Belonging Quotient was recognised for its research-led social enterprise model in the Health and Wellbeing award. Led by Dr Shannon Babbie, the initiative provides a standardised audit and accreditation service to help organisations improve accessibility for neurodivergent people by addressing sensory barriers and creating more welcoming environments.
A fourth University finalist, RapidSOH, led by Patrick Umeadi, reached the final of the Net Zero Challenge. The software platform enables battery refurbishers to quickly assess whether used electric vehicle batteries should be reused or recycled.
Dr Heather May Morgan, Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement and Innovation), said: “To see four University of Aberdeen ventures recognised at this year's Converge Awards, and three awards, is a tremendous achievement and reflects the creativity, ambition and determination of our founders.
“Success on this stage is never the result of one individual alone. Behind every finalist is a community of colleagues, mentors and professional services teams who help turn innovative ideas into real-world products and services. I am immensely proud of everyone involved and delighted to see their hard work recognised nationally.
“These awards demonstrate the strength of our innovation ecosystem and our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, research translation and social impact. We look forward to continuing to champion these ventures as they take their next steps.”
Dr Adelaja Israel Osofero, Associate Vice Principal (Enterprise and Innovation), said: “Having four finalists and three award winners is an outstanding result for the University and highlights the breadth of entrepreneurial talent across our community.
“From cutting-edge technology and sustainable innovation to a pioneering social enterprise, these ventures showcase the diverse ways in which our students, researchers and innovators are addressing real-world challenges. Reaching the Converge final is a significant achievement in itself, and the success of our winners reflects the perseverance, resilience and commitment they have shown throughout their journeys.
“We are proud to support innovators at every stage of development and to see their ideas gaining recognition on a national platform.”
The awards, held at Barony Hall in Glasgow, celebrated the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs, recognising ventures with the potential to tackle major societal challenges with a combined prize fund of £410,000.
With 123 participants entering this year’s competition from across Scotland. The University of Aberdeen secured three awards among 34 finalists representing a record 15 Scottish universities, in one of the most competitive and diverse cohorts in the history of the programme.
Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge, said: “This year’s finalists represent one of the strongest and most diverse cohorts in our history, spanning industries from healthcare to climate tech. Being selected among such a competitive field is a testament to the skill, creativity and commercial potential of all our winners.
“This year’s awards are not only a testament to the winners, but also an example of successful collaboration across Scotland’s business landscape, demonstrating the incredible impact of providing young innovators with the business expertise and networks required to help their businesses flourish.”
Businesses taking part in the Converge programme have a three-year survival rate of 86%, significantly above the national average. This reflects both the strength of innovation emerging from universities and the quality, support and rigour of the programme.
To find out more about the programme and the projects it supports visit Converge.