Top ECCI trio claim innovation prizes
Three ECCI start-ups have scooped prizes at the University of Edinburgh’s annual innovation awards.
Hosted by Edinburgh Innovations - the University’s innovation management service - the 2018 Inspire Launch Grow awards celebrates and supports entrepreneurs.
University of Edinburgh spin-out company Carbogenics, founded by Dr Jan Mumme, won the Emerging Innovation Award. The company has been supported by ECCI from its early days, through our Ideas Lab, through to participation in the Climate-KIC Accelerator today. Carbogenics has developed a new process to turn disposable coffee cups and other non-recyclable paper-based waste into a material called CreChar. It can be used as a soil enhancer as well as for treating waste water and boosting the productivity of biogas generators.
ECCI resident One Cherry, an online marketplace for charity shops, won the Social and Environmental Award. The start-up is currently on our Climate-KIC Accelerator programme for fledgling businesses.
The Innovation Cup went to uFraction8, founded by University of Edinburgh engineering alumnus Dr Brian Miller. He and his team, currently on the Climate-KIC Accelerator at ECCI, have developed a pioneering hydrodynamic technique for cell separation and de-watering.
Carbogenics founder Dr Jan Mumme said: “Winning was unexpected, especially against such strong competitors.
“ECCI was very supportive both in our early days within the Ideas Lab and now again with Climate-KIC.
“We benefit among others from tailored support from business experts, dedicated coaches and exchange with fellow entrepreneurs.”
Chief Executive of One Cherry Anton Puzorjov said: "This award is a very is a very important achievement for One Cherry.
“A lot of work has been completed over the last four months while we have been taking part in the Climate-KIC accelerator at ECCI, which has been an extremely supportive environment and helped us to make essential steps towards our goal - making sustainable second-hand shopping easy and convenient for everyone."
Want to find out more about the Climate-KIC Accelerator programme of start-up support, coaching and funding at ECCI?