A new business accelerator specifically for higher education students, staff and graduates has started at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, with 15 participants joining the eight-week programme.
Launched by Elevator, the summer programme was opened to those attending, working at or who have recently graduated from any of Aberdeen’s higher education institutions, and will run until 26 July.
During the programme, participants – known as ‘Founders’ – will be immersed in a variety of entrepreneurial themes and resources designed to help them reach their global potential.
They will also come face to face with successful and inspiring entrepreneurs from a range of sectors and out the real story behind starting and scaling up a business.
Federico Caso has joined the cohort to develop a business based on a new pre-diagnostic system for Parkinson disease. He said: “As someone with a scientific background, I joined the Elevator programme to gain as much business knowledge as possible to launch a scalable and successful biotech company. The accelerator is incredibly focused and driven; to have learnt so much already and met so many likeminded, passionate and creative people is amazing.”
Upon completing the programme, the new alumni will have enhanced their personal networks, understood their competitors, explored and validated their business idea and understood how to market and celebrate their success.
Professor Gary McEwan, chief executive of Elevator, said: “We’re delighted to welcome 15 new and aspiring entrepreneurs onto the summer accelerator programme. By bringing together similar-minded people with ambitions to become tomorrow’s business leaders, we’re excited to see what ideas and viable, scalable businesses will be formed.”
University of Aberdeen principal, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, said: “We are delighted to support the Elevator summer accelerator programme, which gives aspiring entrepreneurs a great opportunity to develop their business ideas and skills.”
Elevator is holding an event on the 20 June, at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, for businesses to find out if they are ready to accelerate. Further information can be found here: http://elevatoruk.com/