Unlokcing Ambition - Accelerating the growth of highly ambitious companies

Join the Unlocking Ambition Community

Community Leadership Retreat

Photos taken at the most recent Community Leadership Retreat events where alumni and friends gather for 2 days to learn, share and get recharged for the next stages of business growth. If you’re leading a growing business in Scotland, find out how you can join the Unlocking Ambition Community and be part of this inspiring peer network – contact unlockingambition@scotent.co.uk

Meet some of our most recent Unlocking Ambition community members

To date, the Unlocking Ambition programme has invested in 79 companies and over 100 ambitious founders.

Find out more about the UA community below.

Ash Penley

Zoex Power Ltd, Aberdeen

Energy: Helping Offshore Industries achieve net zero goals by clean electricity from ocean waves in a safe and cost-effective way.

Lee Fitzpatrick

Zebra Growth, Midlothian

Digital: Scotland-based media agency creating content for brands with social purpose at their heart.

Rachael Gavan

Wilderness Scotland, Highlands

Tourism: Wilderness Scotland is an award winning tour operator specialising in active and nature based travel throughout the UK and Ireland.

Paul Easto

Wilderness Scotland, Highlands

Tourism: Wilderness Scotland is an award winning tour operator specialising in active and nature based travel throughout the UK and Ireland.

Ross Neilson

What’s Fresh, South Lanarkshire

Food & Drink: What's Fresh delivers high quality local produce direct to customers.

Vasileios Vamvas

Wenverter Ltd, Glasgow

Energy: Research and development in marine wave energy.

Dr Ali Monjezi

Waterwhelm Ltd, Edinburgh

Energy: Commercialising a process for low-carbon wastewater treatment, desalination and renewable energy generation.

Kathrina Skinner

Waire Health, Edinburgh

MedTech: Medical grade wearable vital signs monitors for use in hospitals and homes post-discharge, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.

Kate Ho

Valla, Edinburgh

Digital: Industry award-winning, affordable DIY legal tools for consumers.

Danae Shell

Valla, Edinburgh

Digital: Industry award-winning, affordable DIY legal tools for consumers.

Javier Dominguez

TWEFDA, Aberdeen

Energy: Renewable energy technology company, developing and commercialising wave and tidal energy and storage.

Zakareya Elmo Hussein

Touchlab, Edinburgh

Robotics: Uses cutting-edge electronic-skin tech to transfer the sense of touch to machines with applications for space and hazardous environments.

Christopher Helson

Tiny Air Limited, Dumfries and Galloway

MedTech: Designs and produces technology for decontaminating surgical instruments.

David Robertson

Thistle Rocketry Ltd, Borders

Space: Provides more cost-effective dedicated launches to space for cube satellites.

Amanda Pickford

Thermafy, Borders

Energy: Innovative and enabling analytical software company, dramatically revolutionising the use and analysis of thermal imaging in real time.

Hannah Fisher

The Start-up Drinks Lab, Inverclyde

Food & Drink: A contract bottler and creator of new soft drinks, ending the problem of small-batch drinks innovation.

Craig Strachan

The Start Up Drinks Lab, Inverclyde

Food & Drink: A contract bottler and creator of new soft drinks, ending the problem of small-batch drinks innovation.

Jim Mann

Undo

Agriculture: Profitable reforestation of land and co-deployment of carbon removal technology.

Kerry-Anne Quinn

TCS-Eco, Ayrshire

Manufacturing: Manufacture premium quality bespoke reusable sanitary pads made 100% ethically in Scotland – saving the planet one period at a time.

Jo Halliday

Talking Medicines, Glasgow

MedTech: Helping medical and pharmaceutical industries understand how patients take their medicines in the real world.

Loral Quinn

Sustainably, Edinburgh

FinTech: Sustainably has created a new way of living and giving that makes doing good hassle free and simple for people shopping online.

Sean Kerr

Sustainable Thinking, Falkirk

AgriTech: Tackling food poverty, reducing landfill use and working with the community to bring about action on carbon-based climate change.

Robert Hall

Studio Vans, Highlands

Tourism: Installation systems converting standard vans to campervans for eco-friendly refits, using global artistic collaborations.

Stephen Roe

StagePort, Glasgow

Construction: Working with live event producers to digitise locations, including laser scanning, CAD modelling and virtual tours.

Edward Mitchard

Space Intelligence, Edinburgh

Space: Sells essential services to businesses by developing nature-based solutions to climate change by applying AI to big data from space.

Stuart Speake

Soltropy, Glasgow

Energy: Patented, unique modular solar thermal heating system to help decarbonise space and water heating.

Dr Faisal Ghani

Solariskit, Dundee

Energy: The world’s first flat-packable solar thermal collector to help decarbonise heating for both developing and industrialised countries.

Alison Gray

Skillfluence, Glasgow

EdTech: Digital Training in commercialisation and innovation for scientists and university researchers

John Ferguson

SisalTech, East Lothian

Manufacturing: We design and supply sustainable insulation products.

Alicja Dzieciol

SilviBio, Midlothian

AgriTech: Creating seed coatings to increase germination rates of tree and vegetable seeds in moisture deficit conditions.

John Robertson

Shoply, Edinburgh

Food & Drink: Shoply began as Drinkly; delivering beers, wines and spirits to homes and has expanded distribution to include locally sourced groceries.

Craig Mackay

Sharktower AI, Edinburgh

Data/AI: SaaS (software as a service) for collaborating on and managing project delivery, underpinned by predictive analytics and real time reporting.

Pooja Katara

SENSEcity, Glasgow

Digital: Specialising in the development of software and augmented reality experiences using 3D for tourism sector enhancement.

Fergus Moore

Revive Eco, Glasgow

Food & Drink: Extracting high value, natural chemicals from used coffee grounds for use in the cosmetics, food and drink, and textiles industries.

Denny Schenk

Retroblind, Edinburgh

Manufacturing: Retroblind Ltd. designs, manufactures and sells innovative and environmentally conscious window blinds

Anthony Magrath

Anthony Magrath

Digital: A platform that enables organisations and individuals to work together to make better decisions, accelerating the path to net zero.

Emily Rogers

Reath, Edinburgh

Data/AI: Powers circular economy/reuse systems for the 21st century, helping companies make data-driven and environmentally sound decisions.

Andrew Vincent

QuickBlock, Glasgow

Construction: Flat-packed, 100% recycled plastic, lightweight, modular building system for efficient and sustainable methods and materials.

Paul McGinley

Pyramid Wifi, Glasgow

Digital: Empowers anyone, regardless of technical ability, to protect their privacy online.

Lisa Thomson

Purpose (HR & Coaching) Ltd, Edinburgh

Digital: Provider of commercial, pragmatic HR advice and practical support to SMEs.

Tadas Labudis

ProdSight, Edinburgh

Digital: SaaS business customer insight intelligence platform to help companies make informed decisions based on customer feedback.

Scott Weir

Pillow Property Partners Ltd, Ayrshire

Tourism: An online travel agent and property management company matching holiday home owners with quality guests from around the world.

Scott Dickson

Phox Water Ltd, Glasgow

Engineering: The Phox water filter adds electrolytes to enhance hydration effectiveness. A sustainable, healthy and wellbeing-based business.

Steve Regis

Palaemon Maritime, Edinburgh

Marine: Creating and innovating marine defense equipment to protect personnel and goods at sea.

Celia Davies

Omanos Analytics, Glasgow

Data/AI: Processing space data to monitor environmental and social impacts, offering data analysis products for a range of global clients.

Alex McVey

OgiBio, Edinburgh

Biotech: Provides innovative solutions for growing and analysing bacteria, yeast and algae to help their customers innovate more efficiently.

Ally Mitchell

Ocean Plastic Pots, East Renfrewshire

Manufacturing: Manufacture and sale of award-winning plant pots from waste fishing gear (rope, net and fish boxes) supporting circular economy.

Darren Nicol

Nudge, Glasgow

Digital: An online talent platform for energy sector professionals, from recruitment to coaching we support individuals throughout their careers.

Claudio Marturano

Nubis, Edinburgh

Digital: Bespoke Individual user syllabus programs can be customised and adapted to organisational need

Jonny Ingledew

North Uist Distillery, Highlands

Food & Drink: Distillery and visitor centre on the island of North Uist.

Judith Simms

Mygo4ward, Highlands

MedTech: Low cost, wearable technology to improve the mobility and the lives of spinal cord injured patients and those with neurological disabilities.

Dave Powney

Mygo4ward, Highlands

MedTech: Low cost, wearable technology to improve the mobility and the lives of spinal cord injured patients and those with neurological disabilities.

Dr Deborah Wake

My Way Digital Health, Edinburgh

MedTech: A Dundee University spin-out marketing an online platform to help diabetes patients understand and manage their condition.

Tynah Matembe

MoneyMatiX, West Lothian

Digital S: Helping minority communities lower the poverty premium with cash back rewards on tailored financial education and fairer products.

Douglas Martin

MiAlgae, Edinburgh

AgriTech: A circular economy business utilising distillery co-products as a means to offset the costs associated with producing omega-3 oil rich microalgae.

Eve Hanks

MI:RNA, Edinburgh

VetTech: Offers innovative diagnostic testing solutions to the veterinary market.

Francisco Carreno

Loch Electronics, Edinburgh

Energy: Innovates, designs and brings to market consumer electronics focused on reducing global carbon footprint.

Lynne Jhangeer

LINIAN Supply Company, Glasgow

Construction: LINIAN have designed and patented the fastest, safest, and simplest fire-rated cable clip on the market.

Ian Arbuckle

LINIAN Supply Company, Glasgow

Construction: LINIAN have designed and patented the fastest, safest, and simplest fire-rated cable clip on the market.

Jamie Lindsay

LIND, Perth and Kinross

Energy: Low carbon technology converting domestic wet central heating systems for energy storage via a novel flow battery system.

Barry Leaper

Libereat, Aberdeen

Digital: An app that helps those with food allergies, intolerances, vegans or vegetarians navigate options from shops and restaurants.

Hamish Cathcart Geddes

Lenz, Edinburgh

Digital: Patented product for railway operators that provides greater wheel-rail interface to remove the knock-on effects from poor weather.

Jamie Bankhead

Konglomerate Games, Dundee

MedTech: Video gaming developers specialising in developing healthcare support gaming, ie serious games.

Kenny Arthur

Kaliaaer, Glasgow

Manufacturing: Kaliaaer design, develop and bring to market performance-enhancing goalkeeper products.

Sonja Mitchell

Jump Ship Brewing, Edinburgh

Food & Drink: Award-winning manufacture and sale of a range of alcohol-free beers.

Alan White

Interactive Health, Highlands

Digital: Develops and delivers person-centric digital health solutions, based on AI and Machine Learning to support occupational and mental health.

Ross McLeod

Intebloc, Aberdeen

Construction: Intelligent crane and lifting technology seamlessly connecting people. Equipment and data.

Scott Simpson

IndiNature, Edinburgh / Borders

Construction: A circular-based construction insulation business manufacturing from natural, sustainable resources.

Jacqueline Black

Ice & Fire Distillery, Highlands

Food & Drink: Distillers of artisan gin and rum looking to create a zero carbon distillery on site.

Alexander Macdonald

HS Vision, Edinburgh

Manufacturing: Patent-pending sports sunglasses using world-first lens technology which allows rear vision for commuters/competitive cyclists.

Celia Hodson

Hey Girls CIC, East Lothian

Manufacturing: 
Environmentally friendly buy-one, give-one social enterprise tackling period poverty.

Claudia Freigang

Hearing Diagnostics, Edinburgh

MedTech: Develops and commercialises novel hearing testing technology to make hearing tests as common, reliable, and accurate as eye testing.

Steve Skill

Greenskill Environmental, Edinburgh

Digital: Develops and deploys platform technology to exploit greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.

Lorna Paul

Giraffe Healthcare, Glasgow

MedTech: A platform for the delivery, and remote monitoring of personalised podiatry and physiotherapy programmes.

Gareth Claase

Gecko Glazing, Edinburgh

Manufacturing: Innovative secondary glazing reducing heat loss of any window far more cheaply, quickly and easily than any existing product.

Lauren Leisk

Fodilicious, West Lothian

Food & Drink: The UK’s first low FODMAP, free-from health foods helping those suffering from IBS and food intolerances to live a better quality of life

Alison Wood

FloCo (Dreampads), Edinburgh

Manufacturing: Creators of Lilypads, comfortable affordable reusable period pads, with 10% of revenue used to subsidise pads internationally.

Sam Rhynas

Effini, Edinburgh

Data/AI: Simple digital solutions to allow organisations to use their data to make better decisions, support their strategy and drive growth

Dr Jo Watts

Effini, Edinburgh

Data/AI: Simple digital solutions to allow organisations to use their data to make better decisions, support their strategy and drive growth

Dr Gen Patenaude

Earth Blox, Edinburgh

Data/AI: “LEGO” for Earth observation (EO) analytics - an SaaS tool that empowers anyone to DIY their own EO solution without the need to code.

Paul Blackler & Isatou Njai

Drink Baotic, Glasgow

Food & Drink: Baotic is a dairy-free, gluten free, vegan and high fibre pre-biotic drink range made from African superfruits.

Dr Lorenzo Conti

Crover, Edinburgh

AgriTech: Helping grain storage operators maintain the quality of their stock by providing the first autonomous grain storage management system.

Artem Lukianov

Crover, Edinburgh

AgriTech: Helping grain storage operators maintain the quality of their stock by providing the first autonomous grain storage management system.

Dr Gordon Drummond

Craigmyle Estates Ltd, Aberdeenshire

Tourism: Eco tourism destination in the Cairngorm forest, completely off-grid and carbon neutral

Saber Khayatzadeh

Crack Map, Glasgow

Data/AI: Aims to reduce the cost, time and risk associated with structural health monitoring while improving reliability of fractures assessment.

Pooja Jain

CogniHealth, Edinburgh

Digital: A digital companion for people with dementia and their carers.

Calum Haggerty

Coco Chocolatier, Edinburgh

Food & Drink: A local chocolatier business that has become a global artisan brand.

Dr Stephanie Terrani-Brown

Clean Water Wave, Edinburgh

Engineering: A social enterprise dedicated to generating innovative water cleaning technologies.

Ishani Malhotra

Carcinotech, Midlothian

MedTech: Manufactures 3D bio-printed mimicked cancer environments for drug testing, discovery, pre-clinical trials and precision medicine testing.

Alan Mahon

Brewgooder, Glasgow

Food & Drink: Award-winning, sustainable beer manufacturer with a mission to use profits to bring clean drinking water to 1,000,000 people globally.

Shea Quinn

Bioliberty, Dundee

MedTech: Aiming to empower every human to live a longer independent life by providing assistive robotics and rehabilitative technologies.

Rowan Armstrong

Bioliberty, Dundee

MedTech: Aiming to empower every human to live a longer independent life by providing assistive robotics and rehabilitative technologies.

Thomas Farrugia

Beta Bugs, Midlothian

Agriculture: Creates and sells high-performance insect genetics for the insect farming sector.

Joan Johnston

Bespoke Fabrics, Highlands

Manufacturing: Sustainable and luxurious textiles creating premium cashmere and wool by-products.

Paul Byrne

Beringar, Edinburgh

Digital: Generating accurate data on occupancy and environmental quality in commercial premises to inform decision-making.

Mark Sorsa-Leslie

Beringar, Edinburgh

Digital: Generating accurate data on occupancy and environmental quality in commercial premises to inform decision-making.

Diane Drummond

B-DACS, Glasgow

Engineering: B-DACS specialise in the installation, repair, servicing and maintaining of air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Isabella Guerrini de Claire

Aurora Sustainability, Highlands

Food & Drink: Aurora designs circular economy and bio-economy approaches for environmental restoration, improving food security.

Iain Findlay

Aurora Sustainability, Highlands

Food & Drink: Aurora designs circular economy and bio-economy approaches for environmental restoration, improving food security.

Colin Campbell

Assist Social Capital, Edinburgh

Digital: Working with individuals and communities to optimise the use of 'social capital' as a critical resource.

Sheryl Newman

Appetite for Business, Aberdeenshire

Digital: A people-first digital consultancy helping people and organisations to get the most out of Microsoft 365.

Ekaterina Matveeva

Amolingua, Edinburgh

Digital: Developing language, cultural and soft skills training programmes for professionals.

Stewart Arbuckle

Agricarbon UK, Dundee

Agriculture: Ground-breaking technology for measuring soil carbon stocks in agriculture and other landscapes at low cost and high accuracy.

Elijah Nazarzadeh

AcuFlow, Glasgow

MedTech: Developing the next generation of nebulisers, enabling delivery of life-changing treatments.

Kerry Campbell

8 Doors Distillery, Highlands

Food & Drink: An eco-friendly craft micro-distillery and visitor centre, based in John O’Groats producing premium Highland Single Malt Whisky.

Lisa McMyn

1nhaler, Borders

MedTech: Medical device innovators selling worldwide their patented drug delivery platform for more sustainable medicine delivery use.

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