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Strathclyde spinout takes top prize at Scotland's Converge awards

University of Strathclyde Converge 2024 winner & runner up

A University of Strathclyde spinout company has claimed victory, and another has finished runner-up, at this year’s Converge Awards, an annual awards ceremony designed to celebrate and reward the pinnacle of Scottish academic innovation.

InProcess, co-founded by Engineering research fellow Dr Momchil Vasilev and his colleague Professor Charles MacLeod, won first prize in the Converge Challenge category. Its groundbreaking work focuses on developing the world's first real-time inspection system for welding, capable of detecting defects as soon as they arise using ultrasonic waves. The company received £50,000 in equity-free cash and £20,500 of in-kind business support.

PCAD, led by Dr Anthony McGarry of the Department of Biomedical Engineering with Iain McDougall, was named runner-up in the Converge Challenge. Its innovative digital approach to prosthetic care revolutionises the fitting process, reducing fitting time from hours to seconds and improving patient comfort. PCAD was awarded £20,000 in equity-free cash and £9,500 of in-kind business support.

The Strathclyde winners showcased innovative solutions in manufacturing testing and prosthetic care, demonstrating the University's strength in engineering and healthcare technologies.

The winners were announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

Meryl Levington, Director of Innovation & Industry Engagement at Strathclyde, said: “A combination of technological innovation and entrepreneurial acumen has led InProcess and PCAD to successat Converge.

These qualities are central to Strathclyde’s culture and these are just two of the latest of many examples of our entrepreneurship and innovation working to benefit society. We congratulate the companies and are confident of their continued success in years to come.

Global potential

Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge, said: “The calibre of innovation emerging from Scotland's universities continues to be world-class. InProcess and PCAD are shining examples of how academic brilliance can lead to groundbreaking solutions with global potential. These companies are not just creating products; they're shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for Scotland and beyond.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who attended the ceremony, said: “Translating world-class research from our universities into new innovative technologies and businesses is key to delivering on Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy to drive economic growth.

“Converge plays a vital role in providing a supportive environment for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with investors, mentors and industry leaders.

“I congratulate this year’s winners, who are addressing global challenges and bringing positive change across the country.”

InProcess and PCAD have received support from Strathclyde Inspire, the University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, which offers entrepreneurial training and opportunities to every student, staff member and alumnus.