Edinburgh Innovations’ Student Enterprise team has been awarded the annual Principal’s Medal, in recognition of its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering innovative solutions to help tackle global challenges.
The Principal’s Medal is awarded to students and staff who have delivered exceptional service in supporting and serving the University or wider community and demonstrated strong alignment to the University’s values.
The team was nominated by final year Business School student Shagun Jain for 'encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for students and recent graduates and making entrepreneurship accessible for all. With programmes like Power Her Up, which supports women entrepreneurs, the Student Enterprise team break down barriers and nurtures an inclusive community.'
The team received the prestigious award during the University’s winter graduations at McEwan Hall from Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Kim Graham of the University of Edinburgh.
The Student Enterprise team supports thousands of students and recent graduates every year with a full calendar of events and workshops, competitions, online resources and business advice.
The number of student startups launched has doubled in the past four years, going from 50 in 2017-18 to 116 in 2023- 24. Last academic year the team helped founders raise more than £22 million in funding.
The University of Edinburgh is top in Scotland and top of the UK Russell Group for student startups (HESA 2022/23).
Dr Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, said:
“Enterprise and innovation is extremely important at the University of Edinburgh, as we aim to meet the world’s challenges in our mission areas of future health and care, data and AI for good and tackling the climate and environmental crises.”
Teodora Handrea, Manager of the Student Enterprise team, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised for our work. The Student Enterprise Team remains passionate about supporting the University's entrepreneurial ecosystem by working with students and alumni from the idea stage to scaling their ventures. The team and I feel privileged to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial talent that has a positive impact locally, nationally, and globally.”
