2 August 2016

Three Business School applicants have each been awarded a £20,000 postgraduate scholarship, to recognise their sustainable business ideas.

The group were among 10 ‘green’ innovators from across the UK to win a Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Scholarship.

The competition is a chance to pitch low carbon business ideas, with the winning applicants receiving funds for up to three years of their postgraduate studies.

The finalists also received support and expert coaching to perfect their pitches.

Edinburgh 91 candidate Angus McKimmon was named overall winner for his idea to provide smart power solutions that even out peaks in demand for electricity, by using electric vehicles as batteries. He said:

“I’m absolutely overjoyed! I’m so pleased to have taken part and can’t wait to showcase the idea to even more of the ‘green’ community.

“Now I’ve been given the chance to study a full-time Masters in Business Administration at University of Edinburgh Business School.

“My advice to any applicant next year is to just take your time, think everything through and do all your research!”

Prospective Executive 91 (E91) applicant, Aba-Sah Dadzie impressed judges with her idea to provide community-driven solar-power to marginalised off-grid communities in Ghana.

Fellow E91 candidate winner Shelley Dixons presented plans for an app to help patients receive health correspondence and coordinate medical appointments electronically.

Annemiek Hoogenboom, Country Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“I am thrilled with the 10 innovative entrepreneurial ideas presented today. And I am happy and pleased that all 10 competitors won a scholarship here today at the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Scholarship.

“The overwhelming creativity, innovation and passion was outstanding and we wish them all success to progress in transforming their plans into a sustainable business.”

Find out more about the Green Challenge Scholarship and the difference it makes at the Postcode Culture Trust website.