New leadership aims to strengthen Scotland’s position as a global hub for innovation and academic entrepreneurship.
Converge, the organisation dedicated to empowering academic entrepreneurs across Scotland’s universities, has named Adam Kosterka as its new executive director. Kosterka, who has been serving as Interim Director since August 2024, officially steps into the role as the organisation gears up to launch its ambitious 2025 programme.
Driving Innovation and Enterprise Development
With an extensive background in innovation, enterprise development, and supporting founders, Kosterka’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment. As Converge advances its mission to transform Scotland into a global destination for academic entrepreneurs, Kosterka is poised to spearhead the next phase of growth.
“This is an exciting time for academic entrepreneurship in Scotland,” Kosterka said. “As we prepare to launch our 2025 programme, we aim to build upon Converge’s proven track record while introducing new initiatives that empower university staff, students, and graduates to address global challenges through innovative business ideas with real-world impact.”
Strategic Growth Plans
Under Kosterka’s leadership, Converge plans to enhance its support for sustainable business creation, attract international talent, and foster deeper collaboration between universities and industry. Key areas of focus include high-growth sectors aligned with Scotland’s strengths, such as life sciences, engineering, and energy transition.
The organisation’s strategic initiatives aim to expand the early-stage pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, lay strong foundations for high-growth ventures, and spotlight Scotland’s world-class innovation ecosystem.
Polly Purvis, Chair of Converge, expressed her enthusiasm: “Adam’s vision for Converge, coupled with his deep understanding of Scotland’s innovation landscape, makes him the ideal leader to take the organisation forward. His experience in supporting start-ups and programme delivery will be invaluable as we expand our impact across Scotland’s university sector and beyond.”
Academic Innovation Meets Commercial Success
Converge, hosted at Heriot-Watt University’s GRID facility, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial success. Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, highlighted the importance of Kosterka’s role:
“Adam’s leadership will strengthen the bridge between academic innovation and commercial success, further cementing Scotland’s reputation as a powerhouse for university-led enterprise.”
Celebrating 2024 Achievements and Looking Ahead
Kosterka’s appointment follows the successful conclusion of Converge’s 2024 programme, which awarded over £300,000 in prizes to innovative university projects. Among the winners was InProcess, a future spinout from the University of Strathclyde. Its groundbreaking real-time welding inspection system uses ultrasonic waves to detect defects as they occur, reducing delays and saving manufacturers millions.
Since its inception in 2011, Converge has trained over 735 academic entrepreneurs and supported the creation of more than 430 companies, boasting an impressive three-year survival rate of over 80%.
Building the Future of Entrepreneurship
As Converge prepares to launch its 2025 programme, the organisation remains committed to fostering entrepreneurial talent, driving innovation, and positioning Scotland as a global leader in academic entrepreneurship.
With Adam Kosterka at the helm, the future of academic innovation in Scotland looks brighter than ever.
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