ECCI women up for business award
Two ECCI start-ups are among the group of innovative companies that have been shortlisted for this year’s AccelerateHER Awards, which recognise women-led businesses in Scotland.
IntelliDigest, manufacturer of a new anaerobic food waste digestion system and uFraction8, a business which makes scalable filtration systems for the bi-technology sector are both in the running in the Growth category. The two growing companies are both taking part currently taking part in the Climate-KIC Accelerator programme at ECCI.
Now in their third year, the awards - sponsored by Skyscanner - are open to businesswomen whose companies demonstrate strong growth potential. The competition provides a platform for participants to attract investment.
Six winners will secure a place on an all-expenses paid trip to Dubai in April or to California in September. The winners of awards will be announced on Thursday 8 March 2018 at the Investing Women Ambition and Growth Conference in Edinburgh.
Jackie Waring, CEO of Investing Women, said:
“Given we had a record 190 entries this year, the finalists deserve huge credit for making it to this stage of the awards and I wish them all well for the final.
"These businesses demonstrate the immense entrepreneurial achievements of women across Scotland who deserve every success going forward.
"I’m delighted AccelerateHER is having such a positive impact, with the winners from the first two years having gone on to secure more than £3.75m of investment since getting involved in the awards programme.”
Monika Tomecka, Executive Director & COO of uFraction8, said:
“I'm very happy to get to the finals of AccelerateHER Growth.
"Competition at the semi-finals was extremely high but I believe that my pitching skills acquired as part of ECCI's ClimateLaunchpad helped me to deliver powerful and clear pitch.
"I'm looking forward to pitching at the finals - wish me luck!"
Ifeyinwa Kanu, IntelliDigest Director, said:
“It’s a real privilege to be around so many talented women and really exciting to be in the running for this award and the chance to pitch to potential investors.
"Our aim is to efficiently convert all biodegradable waste to high value resource, reducing greenhouse gas emission and promoting a circular economy. We hope this exposure will help us achieve our goals.
"Many thanks to ECCI for all the amazing support - we couldn't have made it without you!”
The nomination comes hot on the heels of a recent RSE Fellowshhip and a Zero Waste Scotland Circular Economy Business Support Award for IntelliDigest. The Zero Waste Scotland backing is a significant step forward for the fast-growing company, which has its sights set on the organisation's £18 million Circular Economy Investment Fund.