Robert Gordon University’s latest Startup Accelerator is reaching its finale as 16 entrepreneurial ventures prepare for the Startup Showcase event at the Sandman Hotel on Thursday, May 11.
Now in its fifth year, the programme attracted over 120 applications with next week’s Showcase celebration marking its culmination.
The 16 student and graduate led startups will exhibit their early-stage innovation business ideas before selected finalists take to the stage to pitch to leading local businesspeople, three high-profile judges and a live audience both in attendance and online.
£30,000 worth of equity-free prize money will be presented live on the night to the winners, with prizes including the Innovation Impact Award and the Community Impact Award, as chosen by judges, and the hotly contested Audience Award, chosen by a live audience vote.
The Dragon Den style pitches, the showcase exhibition, the prize pot, and the opportunity for networking with investors and influential guests make the Showcase one of Aberdeen’s most anticipated business events of the year.
The RGU Startup Accelerator programme, funded by the Wood Foundation, has supported over 120 businesses across the region that have gone on to create new jobs and make a positive economic and social impact in the North East and beyond, while also being involved in numerous awards.
Hosted by Northsound 1’s Lauren Mitchell, the judges on the night are Jeanette Forbes OBE, prominent Aberdeen businesswoman and multi-award winner; Donella Beaton, RGU Vice Principal for Economic Development at RGU; and Ahmed Sabir of The Scotland 5G Centre.
In-person attendance is limited but spaces may become available by registering your interest here - in addition the event will be live streamed online via RGU social media channels.