Student entrepreneurs perfect their pitches at StartUp Factory Scotland final
Published: 25 March 2026
Hosted by the University of Glasgow at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), the final showcased 15 student teams from across Scotland who had progressed from regional events.
Students from universities and colleges across Scotland gathered in Glasgow on 11 March for the Startup Factory Scotland Grand Final, bringing together the most promising teams from a nationwide series of entrepreneurship weekends.
Hosted by the University of Glasgow at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), the final showcased 15 student teams who had progressed from regional events held in Aberdeen, Inverness/Elgin, St Andrews, Edinburgh, the Borders and Glasgow City Region.
The programme, supported by the Scottish Government and developed by the Student Enterprise team at University of Glasgow, aims to foster entrepreneurial skills and collaboration among students from further and higher education institutions across the country.
Throughout the regional heats, participants worked intensively in mixed teams to shape early-stage startup ideas and explore potential solutions to major social, environmental and technological challenges.
Projects presented at the final reflected a wide range of interests and disciplines, with teams developing concepts spanning energy and climate innovation, sustainable food systems, community wellbeing, and digital technologies. The programme emphasised sustainability in its broadest sense, encouraging students to consider how innovation can support environmental responsibility while strengthening communities and economies.
Over the course of the initiative, participants took part in workshops, mentoring sessions and practical exercises focused on customer discovery, rapid prototyping and pitching. The Grand Final provided an opportunity for the teams to present their ideas to a panel of judges and celebrate the collaborative journey that had taken place across the country.
Prizes of £5000, £3000 and £2000 were awarded to the top three teams – EcoGraze, ERGE and Algosus Solutions, respectively. The initiative highlights the strength of Scotland’s student innovation community and the growing role of collaboration between institutions in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. Borders Region team, Refurb'd, were given the Highly Commended Prize of £500 and included a GU student from the Dumfries Campus.
University of Glasgow Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Schofield, who opened the event, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the teams from across Scotland to the Grand Final of Startup Factory. The event is a celebration of the creativity, determination and teamwork shown by students throughout the Startup Factory journey. Taking an idea from concept to a venture is never easy, and the progress we see today reflects the enthusiasm, openness and talent that exists across Scotland's student community."
Marion Anderson, Student and Graduate Enterprise Manager at the University of Glasgow, said: “Startup Factory Scotland has been a fantastic opportunity to connect students from institutions across the country and give them the space to explore new ideas together. The creativity and energy we’ve seen throughout the programme has been inspiring, and the final showcased just how much can be achieved when students from different backgrounds and disciplines collaborate.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “It is fantastic that students from across Scotland could come together at the University of Glasgow for the Startup Factory Scotland Grand Final, collaborating across institutions to develop innovative ideas that tackle sustainability challenges.
“Initiatives like this demonstrate the creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of Scotland’s students, and the Scottish Government is proud to support programmes that help equip the next generation of innovators with the skills and confidence to turn ideas into solutions that benefit our economy, communities and environment.”
Robert Anderson, Assistant Principal International & Business Development, Glasgow Clyde College: said: “It was fantastic to see college students playing such a strong role in this year’s Startup Factory Scotland Grand Final. I’m delighted that four Glasgow Clyde College students finished in the first and third place teams, highlighting the enormous potential for creativity, talent and entrepreneurial drive that exists across Scotland’s colleges.
“We’re really grateful to the Scottish Government for opening up the programme to college participation and to Marion for bringing the initiative to life so successfully. Congratulations to all the students involved - the energy, ideas and collaboration on display were truly inspiring."
Dale Clancy, Head of Sector, Creative, Enterprise, Technology and Essential skills at Borders College said: “Opportunities like this are vital for students in our region. They help young people step beyond the classroom, connect nationally, and gain real experiences that build confidence, resilience and ambition. This initiative has shown the strength of their potential when they’re challenged and inspired. We’re incredibly proud of every student who took part, grateful to have been involved and see the impact of Start Up Factories.”
First published: 25 March 2026