Twenty high-growth businesses set to make a positive impact on Scotland’s economy are celebrating being named shared winners of the Regional EDGE prize fund of £400,000.
This new pilot award, aimed at businesses in Aberdeen, Perth & Kinross, Dundee and Angus, and the Highlands and Islands, is the latest initiative in the long-standing relationship between the Scottish Government and Scottish EDGE. Funds were allocated through a competitive process, which involved pitching to a panel of judges and delivered in collaboration with local partners Opportunity North East, Elevator, GrowBiz and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The award ceremonies took place across four weeks in each of the regions’ hometowns, with industry leading keynote speakers in attendance including First Minister of Scotland John Swinney for the Perth and Kinross awards.
Of the 48 shortlisted finalists, eight entrepreneurs were awarded £10,000 including Little Birdie Foods for their nutrient-packed shots, and Brigid Bio for their biotech treatment of high risk fungal infections.
Eight further entrepreneurs secured £15,000 funding each including Ovis, for its wool pellet gardening alternative to plastic, and The Green Company, for condensed, eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
MedAscend took home a main prize of £50,000 for a training platform allowing medical students to improve their communication and diagnostic skills, as did Rescue Winch, for revolutionary paddlesport safety equipment.
As well as financial support, all winners will also benefit from becoming EDGE Alumni, granting them access to the organisation’s network of contacts and business acumen.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The partnership between the Scottish Government and Scottish EDGE has long driven our ambition to become a world-leading start-up nation. The new, Scottish Government-funded regional awards have been piloted to help fledgling businesses outwith the central belt develop and grow while capturing the competitive essence of entrepreneurism.
“I am delighted to see such a wide range of projects and businesses across all four regions being successful and hope the tangible injection of investment they have secured will help them take the next steps to growing and scaling their business propositions.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE said; “”As Regional EDGE reaches its conclusion, we celebrate the incredible innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that have flourished across Scotland’s diverse regions. With the invaluable support of the Scottish Government and our dedicated delivery partners, Regional EDGE has empowered ambitious start-ups in key areas, providing vital funding and mentorship to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. The impact of this initiative will continue to be felt as these entrepreneurs drive growth, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of innovators across Scotland.”
Jackie Brierton, Co-CEO of GrowBiz Scotland said; “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Scottish EDGE team to deliver one of the first Regional EDGE competitions. The response we received from businesses in Perth & Kinross highlights the strong entrepreneurial culture and diversity of enterprise sectors in the area – which GrowBiz will continue to support and develop.”
Rachel Ross, CEO (designate) of Elevator said: Elevator and Scottish EDGE both inspire and support entrepreneurship, innovation and transformation of regional opportunities. The Regional EDGE partnership has enabled ambitious businesses in Dundee and Angus to access an incredible opportunity to secure funding for their ideas. The strong entry response is testament to the entrepreneurial culture prevalent in the region and the accessibility that a regional competition enables. A huge congratulations to all the award winners and we look forward to further supporting them on their entrepreneurial journeys as they use the Regional EDGE funding to drive their growth”.
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO of Opportunity North East (ONE), said: “ONE and Scottish EDGE both inspire and support entrepreneurship and innovation, with ONE building the entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region’s growth sectors. The Regional EDGE partnership created a new opportunity for ambitious and innovative startups in North East Scotland to secure funding to advance their ideas. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners – we look forward to seeing how they use Regional EDGE support to drive their growth.”
Caroline Maclellan, senior innovation manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “Regional EDGE showcases the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs with crucial funding and support needed to bring their visions to life. We are proud to support these high-growth businesses as they contribute to a vibrant and sustainable economy. We’re delighted to be working with our partners to deliver the new Regional EDGE programme. It’s a great opportunity for rural entrepreneurs and we look forward to helping them win a share of the prize pot.”
Scottish EDGE last month launched Round 25 of its country-wide funding competition, with 247 businesses applying for awards of up to £150,000. Details of the live pitching finals will be released in the coming weeks at: www.scottishedge.com.
