Member :  Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo
Company: Converge

Why I joined:

At Converge, we are seeing more and more applications from climate-change and net-zero focused projects and ideas. We are firmly embedding net-zero themes into our programme, with the establishment of a standalone net-zero prize for the project in the 2021 cohort which offers the most promise in addressing the climate crisis.
 

What I hope to get from it:

We want to play a leading role in encouraging research and commercialisation of ideas which will contribute to Scotland achieving its net-zero targets. We will be active members of the community and be proactive in making connections between members of the community and others in our network who can drive this agenda forward.

What I do in business:

Converge is Scotland’s largest company creation programme for the University sector. We support university staff, students and recent graduates to take their bright ideas and turn them into successful, sustainable businesses. In doing so, we are helping Scotland to become a world-leading centre for innovation and company creation.

Optionally share a hobby or passions I am happy sharing to the community:

I’m passionate about wine and I like to travel to visit wine producers and learn the great tales behind all the amazing wines out there, in particular those biodynamic ones.

Personal actions I have taken or plan in their NetZero journey:

I have changed my attitude towards shopping (focusing on locally sourced produce, local businesses and more durable items) and travel, now really thinking about the carbon impact of our trips and taking them into account when choosing destinations and modes of travel.

Company actions I have taken to accelerate NetZero:

We are embedding Net-Zero into our programme with a standalone Challenge from next year, reflecting the growing urgency and associated response from Scotland’s Universities in developing scalable technologies for a greener and more resilient world. The NetZero Challenge will provide business training and cash prizes for researchers looking to commercialise their projects by taking their research out of the lab and into the world where it can make a real and tangible difference.

What expertise, knowledge, services or products they can offer to other members to accelerate their NetZero path:

We are part of a large network often referred to as the Scottish entrepreneurial ecosystem, consisting of support services, accelerator programmes and investor organisations. We also have a network of professional partners who work with our yearly cohort and alumni companies. We’re happy to facilitate contacts and put people in touch with others in our network who might be in a position to help.

Finally, Something people might not know about you that makes you memorable:

Not sure I’ll ever be memorable….

I’m expecting my first baby in May 2021. The race to NetZero is particularly important to me as I look forward to bringing my daughter up in a world which is winning the battle against climate change.