32 of Scotland’s ‘most inspiring’ small companies win £1.4m in funding
“Scottish Edge demonstrates the massive economic potential of Scotland’s entrepreneurs” – Sir Tom Hunter
More than 30 of Scotland’s “most inspiring” small companies will share in a £1.4 million prize pot after winning the latest round of a national business funding competition.
Since being rolled out, Scottish Edge has supported 759 businesses, providing a platform for companies to scale, create jobs and drive significant economic impact across the country.
Round 27 of the initiative saw 32 small businesses - covering sectors from health-tech to clean energy, and food and drink to creative technology - crowned winners following a “gruelling” competitive pitch process.
Taking the top prize of £150,000 in the “Future Edge” category, supported by Scottish Enterprise, was MedAscend, whose AI platform enables healthcare students to practise lifelike patient conversations through simulation in preparation for real clinical care. Nudge Innovations, meanwhile, won £90,000 in Pathways Edge, sponsored by the Scottish government.
The STV-supported Growth Edge award of £70,000 plus £75,000 worth of ad airtime was given to PEAT’D, which is behind a range of peat-smoked tomato sauces.
As founding funders of Scottish Edge, the main sponsors of the event are The Hunter Foundation, Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, each of whom have provided financial and operational support of the initiative since its inception.
Sir Tom Hunter, founder of The Hunter Foundation, said: “Scottish Edge demonstrates the massive economic potential of Scotland’s entrepreneurs - congratulations to them one and all.
“The landscape of support for them going forward, however, is both cluttered and confusing, hence I hope our new government sorts that out so these and thousands of other entrepreneurs can accelerate their growth and economic contribution.”
Darren Pirie, head of accelerator and partnerships, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The 27th round of the Edge awards was another incredible showcase of Scottish innovation and entrepreneurship. These awards are vital in giving Scotland’s start-ups and scale-ups access to the funding and exposure that they need to grow and expand.
“As a founding partner, we are consistently impressed each year by the strength of the award entries. Congratulations to all of the winners and to everyone who took part.”
Evelyn McDonald, chief executive of Scottish Edge, said: “Our round 27 winners are a powerful reflection of the ambition, innovation and resilience driving Scotland’s entrepreneurial economy forward. This exceptional cohort is not only building bold, high-growth businesses, they are shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and enterprising future for Scotland and beyond.
“Backing founders with the vision and determination to turn big ideas into lasting impact is exactly what Scottish Edge exists to do.”
Jane Martin, managing director at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Congratulations to all this year’s winners, and especially to MedAscend on receiving the Future Edge award.
“MedAscend demonstrates the strength of new ideas coming out of Scotland, using AI to help healthcare students practise realistic patient conversations, get tailored feedback, and prepare more safely for clinical care. It’s a strong example of the ambitious, innovation-led businesses we’re backing to help scale Scotland’s high-growth potential future industries and support long-term economic growth.”
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