Three UofG early stage innovation ideas have been shortlisted for the Converge Challenge Kickstart 2019.

The programme received a record number of 139 applications, reinforcing the message that our universities remain a bedrock of innovation for early-stage ideas and projects that have the potential to become viable businesses.

The School of Engineering has two projects short-listed.

Dr Matt Smith has developed the Dual-Mode Transistor, a highly efficient digital component for use in low-power systems such as smartphones and tablets. The Transistor will revolutionise system performance through 10x increase in switching efficiency compared to existing low-power technologies.

Dr Dhayalan Shakthivel from Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) group has created technology to reduce the power consumption of touch screen technology. The Self-Powered Touch Interface, SeT, combines touch sensitivity and power generation together, significantly reducing power consumption and instead creating self-powered touch interfaces for electronics such as smart phones and tablets which can generate a power surplus.

Masters student Marwa Ebrahim has been shortlisted for her natural cosmetics customisation company, Atypical Cosmetics, that allows makeup lovers to customise the colours and ingredients of their cosmetic products, creating makeup that is unique to every customer’s needs.

All shortlisted candidates will receive two days of business training in Edinburgh in January 2019 with the chance to submit their business case in February. The shortlisted KickStart projects will then be reviewed by the external judging panel with the winners announced at the KickStart Awards in March. The winner will receive £10,000 with £5,000 to the runner up.

If you are interested in getting involved next year or would like support with a potential innovation contact Adam Majumdar.

First published: 10 December 2018

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