An Aberdeen-based entrepreneur is reshaping how young people enter the workforce and how businesses identify talent, after launching an online platform that connects students with internships.
Priyanka Rao, who completed her MBA at Aberdeen University, founded Microinterns in 2025, and with support from Business Gateway is helping to turn the idea into a growing technology business.
Microinterns connects students with micro and nano internships, helping employers to recruit based on demonstrated skills rather than traditional CVs and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). By working on short-term projects students can showcase their skills and abilities, and businesses can grow through affordable, flexible assistance on vital projects.
Having struggled as an international student in Scotland, Priyanka launched Microinterns and it has already gained recognition for its innovative approach.
The business was shortlisted for Early Stage Stand Out in 2025, recognised for the Social Innovation Award and runner-up for the Heriot-Watt GRID Global Innovation Challenge, while Priyanka was an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2026 and recently won Education and Training Startup of the Year at the UK StartUp Awards.
Business Gateway began supporting Priyanka during the pre-start phase, helping her establish strong foundations for growth. Support focused on branding, financial modelling and pricing strategy, as well as developing an understanding of employer responsibilities and the contracts required to operate and scale the business.
This tailored support helped transform an innovative concept into a viable business, providing the guidance and expertise needed to navigate the challenges of launching a technology start-up. Priyanka credits Business Gateway with providing invaluable support throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
She said: “My relationship with Business Gateway has been the backbone of my entrepreneurship journey to date. The team has been a constant source of encouragement and has provided support whenever I needed to make important decisions and I was unsure what my next steps should be. Having a Business Gateway adviser onside has been of immense value.
“Access to specialist support, particularly around legal matters and financial modelling, was vital in helping me make progress with the business. The support enabled me to develop the platform through to Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage and secure our first clients.”
The woman-led technology start-up proudly champions a more inclusive and skills-focused approach to recruitment, helping bridge the gap between education and employment, and has successfully matched 150 students and 20 start-ups in the past 14 months.
Debbie Mackenzie, Business Gateway Senior Business Adviser, said: “Priyanka has developed an innovative solution to a challenge faced by both students and employers. Her determination and vision were evident from the outset, and it has been a pleasure to support her in building the foundations of the business. We look forward to seeing Microinterns continue to grow and expand its impact from its Aberdeen base.”
To find out more about Business Gateway, visit https://bgateway.com.