Two Aberdeen-based entrepreneurial start-ups have been fast-tracked to success following a competitive pitch in front of HRH The Duke of York and an expert panel in the city today.
A total of nine entrepreneurs presented in front of HRH The Duke of York, invited guests and a panel of judges.
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The Pitch@Palace On Tour event at Elevator saw RAB Microfluidics and Intelligent Gels selected to go forward to the Boot Camp stage at Ashridge in October.
Pitch@Palace On Tour Aberdeen was the first of three Pitch@Palace On Tour events that will take place across the UK as part of Pitch@Palace 8.0, and was the only one in Scotland.
Established by HRH The Duke of York in 2014, Pitch@Palace has helped more than 400 businesses grow, with some now enjoying global success.
The theme for Pitch@Palace 8.0 is The Future of Mobility and Materials, focusing on The Future of Mobility, Transportation and Materials, and will explore technology that impacts the future evolution of mobility and autonomous systems and the critical materials that are essential for the functioning of high-tech products.
HRH The Duke of York said: “I have been delighted to have brought Pitch@Palace On Tour to Aberdeen. Designed to support, enhance and add value to start-up and scale-up companies, Pitch@Palace provides a platform for entrepreneurs and audiences to meet and network. It’s also an opportunity for them to hear the great ideas that are being commercialised and built by the next generation.
“Congratulations to the two companies that have passed through to Boot Camp but to the rest of the pitchers, keep applying for the programme and we hope to see you again soon.”
Pitched by managing director Matt Wilson, Intelligent Gels provides technology which delivers cleaner drinking water pipes by removing the source of discolouration.
Mr Wilson said: “It has been a great privilege and opportunity to pitch today in front of the panel and HRH The Duke of York, to showcase our company and innovative technology.
“We’re very much looking forward to participating at the Pitch@Palace Boot Camp in October and being in with a chance of advancing to the final stage at St. James’s Palace.”
Founded by Dr Rotimi Alabi, RAB Microfluidics develops and commercialises microfluidic technology for lubricating oil that is used in heavy equipment. RAB Microfluidics’ technology will make conventional laboratory procedures mobile, rapid and routine across the oil and gas, maritime and aerospace industries.
A social enterprise, Elevator works across Scotland to help facilitate the start-up and growth of new and existing businesses. Delivering Business Gateway services, Elevator currently engages with 2,500 start-up businesses and assists around 1,000 organisations to grow annually with advisory support.
Elevator’s chief executive, Professor Gary McEwan, said: “We’re honoured to have been able to bring Scotland’s only On Tour event for Pitch@Palace 8.0 to Aberdeen and to welcome His Royal Highness to our Centre for Entrepreneurship, following his visit last year to see our facility and meet some of the team.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity for local entrepreneurs to network and pitch in front of some of the leading figures from the business, investment and technology sectors.”
