A University of Aberdeen spin-out company, mycoBiologics, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Converge 2019 entrepreneurial award in Scotland. Founded by Dr. Fiona Rudkin, mycoBiologics is a pre-incorporation biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments for life-threatening, drug-resistant infections. They are creating human monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics aimed at combating lethal fungal and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, often acquired in hospitals and associated with high mortality rates. The company has been nominated in the Converge Challenge category.
mycoBiologics is one of 18 finalists selected from 12 Scottish institutions, with a strong representation of women entrepreneurs (55%) on the shortlist. The finalists will compete at the Converge Awards Final at the V&A Dundee on September 25th, where £220,000 in equity-free cash and in-kind business support will be awarded across three categories: Impact Challenge, Creative Challenge, and Converge Challenge.
Claudia Cavalluzzo, Converge Director, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges and highlighted the role of universities in driving innovation. She praised the high calibre of this year’s finalists, noting that Converge collaborates with all 18 Scottish universities to support academics in transforming their discoveries into successful businesses. Cavalluzzo expressed excitement about working with this impressive group of innovators and helping them achieve their goals.