Pitch-perfect Scottish start-ups bag a place in European finals
Congratulations to Quoin, Lenz & ReturnToNature - joint winners in the ClimateLaunchpad Scotland final, hosted online by ECCI this week.
The three pitch-perfect start-ups are on their way to the European finals of the world's biggest green ideas competition next month, with a chance to make it all the way to the global final and claim a €10,000 top prize.
Fresh from the online Boot Camp and coaching sessions - where they learned to fast track their idea into a business, overcome challenges and secure funding - each finalist had only ten minutes to impress the judging panel, which included ECCI's Ed Craig (Chair) and Shona McElroy, Cllr Rishi Madlani, Head of Sustainable Finance and Just Transition at RBS and Lucy Stanfield, Chair of the 2050 Climate Group.
Judge Cllr Rishi Madlani said: "NatWest Group has many years’ experience in supporting our customers’ transition to a low carbon economy but the scale and pace of activity required is now rapidly accelerating.
"Hearing from some really inspiring Climate Change entrepreneurs in the Scotland final of ClimateLaunchpad has given me some hope that we might actually succeed."
“We loved sharing our vision for the future of rail at the Scottish final, and can’t wait to continue working with the ECCI on implementing our range of products that provide economic incentives to the industry whilst reducing their operational carbon footprint.” Hamish Geddes (pictured), Founder and Director of Lenz
Will Brown, Founder of Return To Nature said: “Return To Nature is very excited to be selected to represent Scotland in the European finals! All the advice and support from the bootcamp and mentors has made a huge difference to us already, bringing radically regenerative burials one step closer to reality.”
Federico Moro, co-founder and CMO of Quoin said: “ClimateLaunchpad has already been an incredible experience. It's not just accelerated our concept but also our learning. Being a part of this program has made us even more dedicated to tackling the climate and housing crisis and driving a positive change.
"We're excited for the next level of the competition and with what we've learned through the launchpad, Quoin will be ready to compete at a global level.”
Scotland's European finalists
Quoin
Quoin are on a mission to end the housing crisis by offering first time buyers a new way to make homeownership both affordable and environmentally sustainable. Quoin's Edinburgh based team are: Federico Moro, co-founder and CMO; Richard Murphy, co-founder and CEO; Supraja Balasundaram, co-founder and CTO; Alexander Koveleski, co-founder and CFO; Alexandra Filimon, co-founder and CCO.
Return To Nature
Return To Nature is a burial service for environmentally conscious people and families. Instead of a traditional two and a half by eight foot burial plot or high-carbon cremation, we aim to offer each customer up to one acre of degraded Scottish upland that will be naturally regenerated with their patronage. Founder Will Brown is based in Milnathort. @ReturnToNature_ wereturntonature.com
Lenz
Creators of a retrofitted sustainable solution for trains that reduces slippage and dangerous braking scenarios in winter months. The ’Traction Hub’ increases efficiency, saves money and reduces environmental impact. Co Founder & Director Hamish Geddes works out of Edinburgh. lenztech.uk
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