Three student-led startups from the University of Edinburgh have taken home major accolades at this year’s Converge Awards.
Scotland’s premier celebration of academic innovation and entrepreneurship recognises the brightest ideas emerging from the nation’s universities. 2025 marks the biggest Converge Challenge to date, with a prize fund of £400,000 across all categories.
The University of Edinburgh innovators are working on next-generation AI, responsible use of artificial intelligence, aerodynamic engineering to improve fuel efficiency and satellite solutions for protecting marine ecosystems.
Aeroflow, founded by Sam Evans, a graduate from the School of Engineering, won the top prize in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category, gaining £30,000 cash and in-kind business support from SSE and Converge’s network of industry partners. The startup is developing revolutionary aerodynamic HGV trailers that reduce drag by 33% while addressing safety concerns that have limited adoption of current solutions. The fuel-agnostic technology delivered benefits regardless of whether diesel, electric or hydrogen improve fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Several special prizes featured in this year’s Converge, with generous support from a group of sponsors, including Blue Economy and Ventures Lab, also had Edinburgh winners.
Aliyu Dala, a graduate from the School of Engineering, was co-winner of the Blue Economy prize, taking home £17,500 cash with his startup Raygonal; transforming seafood production by combining renewable energy, automation and advanced water management to produce fresh, antibiotic-free seafood year-round. Raygonal’s innovative Aquary system aims to reduce the UK’s £3.5 billion annual seafood import dependency while strengthening local economies and providing sustainable alternatives to traditional frozen seafood supply chains.
Seasat, founded by School of Engineering PhD graduate Solomon White, secured the special prize: The Ventures Lab Award, sponsored by The Challenges Group, worth £10,000 plus in-kind business support. The startup uses satellite images to monitor coastal ocean health. The technology provides crucial insights into environmental vulnerability, biological productivity and carbon sequestration habitats like seagrass, while predicting responses to global warming – critical data for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.
Adam Kosterka, executive director of Converge, commented:
At Converge, we believe Scotland’s universities are home to the next generation of world-changing innovations. This year’s winners exemplify exactly what’s possible when brilliant academic minds are equipped with the business expertise and networks to transform their ideas into commercially successful, impact companies.”
Lizzie Whittington, Director of Venture Creation at Edinburgh Innovations, said:
We are absolutely delighted that three of our companies were recognised at this year’s Converge Awards. Their success reflects the outstanding innovation emerging from the University of Edinburgh and the value of the Converge programmes in helping turn bold ideas into thriving ventures. At Edinburgh Innovations, we are proud to support these entrepreneurs as they create real-world impact.”
Sam Evans, founder of Aeroflow, said:
I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this award. The programme provided invaluable support, from expert guidance and mentorship to access to a strong network of innovators, all of which have helped me refine my business model and accelerate the development of Aeroflow. It was an honour to be recognised as a company that could have a real impact on the environment, giving us a massive boost in confidence as we continue to grow and push forward with the delivery of our first full-scale prototype."
More information on the winners and runners-up can be found on the Converge website.
