01/04/2026
🚀 What an incredible ride it’s been!
Over the past four Wednesdays (18 & 25 February, 4 & 11 March), ABVentures had the absolute pleasure of organising and hosting the University of Aberdeen's Lightbulb Ideas Competition 2026 and we are still blown away by the energy, creativity, and ambition from our students and recent graduates.
💡 From idea generation to final pitches, over 100 students took part, with 40 teams stepping up to pitch solutions tackling real world challenges across sustainability, health, technology, and community impact.
For many, this was their first time ever pitching an idea and they rose brilliantly to the challenge.
🏆 Huge congratulations to our 2026 winners:
• DermaSetuAI
• CoFound
• ZoneGuard AI
• FreightScanner
• Malle
👏 Big recognition to every participant.
It takes courage to step outside your comfort zone, share your ideas, and try something new.
And that’s what Lightbulb is all about:
✨ Building confidence
✨ Developing real world skills
✨ Inspiring entrepreneurial thinking
A heartfelt thank you to the , whose support—for the second year—funded our top four cash prizes (£1,600, £800, £400 and £200) and significantly enhanced student engagement.
We also extend our gratitude to our judges whose insights and encouragement were essential to the competition’s success.
At the University of Aberdeen, we remain deeply committed to nurturing student enterprise by inspiring and empowering our students and recent graduates to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation.
23/03/2026
📢 Quick Update
There will be no Start Here Breakfast this Wednesday.
We’ll be back soon with more opportunities to connect, share ideas, and get support ☕
Stay tuned!
18/03/2026
Calling all University of Aberdeen students and recent graduates!!
Entries for the University of Aberdeen Take Off Accelerator are now open.
This supportive 8-week accelerator starting May 19th is designed for participants who are ready to refine their business idea and take more strategic next steps towards launching.
- Open to students/recent graduates (within last two years) at any stage of their business or side hustle
- £1,000 stipend for attending (10am to 3pm in person on Tuesdays + half day online on Wednesdays)
- Up to £5,000 in prize funding
- Hands on training, expert mentoring and support.
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eJfx6Ujc
Deadline: 26th April 2026
Please note that this support is totally free. The University of Aberdeen does not ask for equity from your business for this training.
We want to ensure this opportunity reaches those who will benefit most. If you are working on a project or know someone who could use this support, please share and apply as soon as possible.
17/02/2026
Could your research lead the way? 2026 is now open and accepting applications!
Dr Soumya Palliyil is just one of many academic pioneers turning breakthrough science into real-world impact with the help of Converge.
If you think your research could turn the dial, then applications for Converge 2026 are now open.
Whether you’re a researcher, creator or inventor, Converge Challenge is now searching for Scotland’s brightest university innovators to join their prestigious 2026 cohort.
Providing a safe space to test and validate your business idea, the Converge programme combines expert-led business training with a competitive element – giving you the clarity, confidence and connections to take your innovation out of the lab and into the marketplace.
Other key benefits of taking part:
· Active feedback as you develop your business proposition
· Peer-to-peer networks connecting you to a community of visionary founders
· Generous equity-free funding for the best projects
· Project visibility through their national programme
If your curious about entrepreneurship and ready to test your breakthrough business idea, then don’t miss the chance to apply.
For more information visit: convergechallenge.com
13/02/2026
☕✨ Start Here Breakfast is back!
Join us for the next Start Here Breakfast
📍 Interdisciplinary Lounge, Crombie Hall
📅 Wednesday, 25 February
⏰ 8:30 – 10:30 AM
Come along, grab some breakfast, and start your day with great conversations and fresh ideas.
04/02/2026
Build a startup idea in one day!!
£3,000 in cash prizes to be won!!
Startup Factory - North East is a one-day innovation challenge bringing together students from University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University and North East Scotland College to develop new startup ideas focused on sustainability.
📅 Saturday 21st February 2026
⏰ 09:00 – 18:30
📌 ONE Tech Hub, Schoolhill, Aberdeen City Centre
Free to attend. Lunch and dinner included. No startup idea or experience needed.
Register here: https://www.foundersvault.co.uk/services/founders/startup-factory-north-east
13/02/2026
04/02/2026