A University scientist has been announced as a finalist in the 2018 Converge Challenge for her life science business, mycoBiologics.
Dr Fiona Rudkin, who is part of the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, established her business in a bid to better diagnose and treat life threatening fungal infections.
MycoBiologics is dedicated to improving the outcome of patients suffering from life-threatening fungal infections by developing a new class of human antibody-based antifungal drugs to overcome the severe limitations associated with current therapies.
Dr Rudkin said: “I’m delighted that mycoBiologics have got to the final of such an exciting and well recognised Scottish entrepreneurial competition. The next stage is an investor pitch to a panel of esteemed judges which will be a great opportunity to showcase our business idea and boost our profile in the Scottish business community.”
The Converge Challenge showcases emerging technologies and much needed industry innovations from twenty-three entrepreneurs who are shortlisted.
Dr Ann Lewendon, from the University’s Research & Innovation team, said: “I am delighted that Dr Rudkin has been shortlisted in the 2018 Converge Challenge,and it will be very exciting to see how mycoBiologics progresses in the coming years. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her good luck for the next stage of the competition.”
Renowned venture capitalist and serial investor, Paul Atkinson, founder of Par Equity and a member of the Converge Challenge Strategic Advisory Board, believes that high calibre of entries this year is a direct result of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions’ continued support of innovative projects and ideas.
He said: “Converge Challenge is a transformative programme which combines business support, training and mentoring as a complete package to support the business creation process. This sets Converge Challenge apart as Scotland’s most prestigious company creation programme for our academic community. It continuous to nurture disruptive innovative companies generating a much needed pipeline of high quality investable propositions.”
The Converge Challenge 2018 winners will be announced at a gala dinner and ceremony on Thursday 20 September at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh where a total prize pot of £160,000 and in-kind business support await the winners and runners up.