Scotland’s next generation of entrepreneurial talent has been crowned at the University of Dundee’s annual competition for new business concepts.
Eight enterprising individuals have been awarded a share of a £60,000 prize pot after being named winners of Venture 2026. Students, staff, and graduates were all recognised for their enterprising ideas, which address challenges in a host of sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and the legal sector.
The final marked the culmination of the University’s annual Entrepreneurship Week, a series of workshops and lectures championing opportunities for businesses in Scotland.
The winners were named followed a thrilling, live final before a panel of judges, potential investors and a live audience. Their success came after an intense period of competition, with 60 members of the University community competing across eight categories for seed funding, provided by external sponsors.
Chris Smyth, the University’s Head of Enterprise, said, “This has been the tenth year of Venture and each year we have seen the bar raised.
“The judges were impressed by the diversity and dynamism of the finalists and we were left with a tough decision. All the finalists should be incredibly proud to have made it to this stage of the competition. I hope they continue to refine and evolve their ideas.
“I also want to congratulate all of our winners and I look forward to seeing how their concepts develop over the coming months.”
The winners of Venture 2026 are:
Robin Pfulghaupt – Discover Bioanalytics develops novel analytical tools and methodologies for scientists from functionalised filter papers for precision capture and purification to bespoke high-throughput biochemical assays.
Michael Ness – Bilayer is developing a software platform and contract research organisation that measures and predicts how well drug molecules enter and accumulate inside bacteria.
Fraser Bruce – Green Ward Toolkit is a scalable web platform that empowers NHS staff to take practical, sustainable action. From waste reduction to prescribing, each action delivers real change.
Amna Waqas – SafeScope is a medical device innovation designed to improve airway safety during surgery and emergency care.
Marcus Kamuntu – Sendix is a GovTech compliance engine that prevents costly tribunals by giving school Special Educational Needs Coordinators AI-assisted statutory drafting with built-in legal verification.
Shreya Kannan – SurgiSense explores new ways to support hands-on technical skills practice in medical training
Matthew Meehan – Dipstick is a challenger brand in the food and drink space, creating green, vegetable-based condiments that offers a healthier, flavour-led alternative to traditional sauces.
Denitsa Hristova – Mute Coffee is built to empower women in coffee operations through radical transparency and to partner with independent Scottish roasters to create purposeful coffee.