UHI innovators join Scotland’s top academic entrepreneurs in Converge 2025

Five projects led by University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) students, staff, and alumni have been selected to join the 2025 Converge cohort, Scotland’s flagship programme for turning academic ideas into real-world impact.

This year’s Converge cohort showcases 125 of Scotland’s most creative academic entrepreneurs, chosen from a record-breaking pool of more than 300 applications spanning all 19 Scottish universities. Participants will now take part in an intensive programme of business training and mentorship, with finalists advancing to the Converge Awards in October, where a record prize fund of £400,000 is up for grabs.

Four of the five UHI projects were finalists in the 2025 UHI Business Competition and were supported by UHI to apply to Converge. Their selection reflects both the strength of innovation emerging from across the partnership and UHI’s commitment to developing and championing entrepreneurial talent.

Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UHI, said:

“It’s fantastic to see UHI so well represented in this year’s Converge cohort. These projects reflect the talent and ambition across our partnership and show how we’re supporting innovation with real-world impact. I look forward to seeing them grow through the programme.”

The selected projects all demonstrate a strong focus on purpose-driven innovation, addressing global challenges including environmental sustainability, health, accessibility, and community wellbeing. They are:

• Gestura – Christopher Kaan Caudwell, HND Computer Science student, UHI Perth

An AI-powered app that translates sign language into speech and speech back into sign, in real time. It works in everyday places like hospitals, banks, and on public transport where interpreters are often unavailable. Christopher said:

“Gestura started as a dream to make communication truly inclusive, and now with the support of Converge, we’re on the path to making that dream a reality. This opportunity marks the beginning of something much bigger: a world where no one is excluded from the conversation.”

• Heilan – Fergus Leith, HNC Architectural Technology student, UHI Inverness

Inspired by the wild beauty of the Cairngorms, Heilan produces pure honey and natural cosmetics while helping to restore wild spaces and support biodiversity. By combining sustainability with smart business, the project aims to grow its impact, involve communities, and set a new standard for eco-friendly enterprise in the Highlands and beyond.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to join this group of like-minded people and take part in the training Converge offers. We are already on the path to development and expansion, so the training will be very useful, regardless of whether we reach the finals. However, we are optimistic about our business proposal and its future prospects."

• CassioPeia – Szabolcs Pap, Research Fellow, Environmental Research Institute, UHI North, West and Hebrides

A low-cost, portable filtration system that uses biochar – a carbon “sponge” to extract phosphorus from water and recycle it back into soil. This helps prevent pollution while supporting sustainable agriculture and food security. Around 90% of global agricultural production relies on phosphorus fertilisers, but too much of it in water causes pollution, creating toxic algal blooms. Szabolcs said:

"I am really happy that CassioPeia is among the shortlisted ideas for Converge KickStart Challenge 2025! It’s a great milestone for our project and potential spin-out, and I look forward to the experience and meeting all the other participants!”

• Alis Apta – Professor Andrew Rae, Professor of Engineering at UHI

Responding to the urgent need for decarbonisation in aviation, Alis Apta has developed a certified engine-replacement modification that enables existing aircraft to use cheaper, more widely available, and more sustainable aviation fuels. This innovation can cut emissions by up to 80% and operational costs by 75%, while enhancing fuel security and biofuel compatibility.

• PowerPlant – Holly Richardson, HNC Bioscience alum, UHI Perth

A revolutionary artificial tree that captures pollution using enzyme-enhanced algae, while generating renewable energy with built-in solar panels. PowerPlant offers local authorities a low-maintenance solution for cleaner air and potential annual savings of up to £45,000. Holly said:

"I'm so proud to be selected for the Converge KickStart Challenge — it feels like the start of something incredible. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads and the doors it might open."

Adam Kosterka, Converge Executive Director, said:

“It’s a great privilege to welcome such an exceptionally talented group of aspiring entrepreneurs to our programme. Their innovations cut across numerous fields, offering solutions with the potential to not just boost our economy but to transform people’s lives.

“We are delighted to offer more places than ever on our programmes, with the highest number of applications to date validating the demand for Converge’s unique model of supporting entrepreneurial ambition.”

A strong trend noted by this year’s judging panel was a clear focus on purpose-driven innovation. From disability inclusion and clean energy to next-generation healthcare, this year’s cohort exemplifies the Converge mission: unlocking the power of academic research to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

To view the full list of shortlisted projects across all categories, visit the Converge website.