Five QMU startups make Converge 2025 cut

Judges were impressed by QMU’s range of unique projects which include a female-led theatre company amplifying women’s voices, a digital subscription platform offering masterclasses from top Scottish creatives, and an innovative grab-and-go pizza range. 

Working in partnership with the nation’s world-class universities, the Converge Challenges help students, staff, and recent graduates gain the tools, networks, and support to launch their business ideas into the world.  

Converge works in collaboration with Scotland’s leading universities to empower applicants with the skills, networks, and support to transform bold ideas into real-world ventures. 

This year, QMU’s presence is stronger than ever. Four students - Abel Zhang, Lucia Cate Ireland (with Jenna Stones), Betsy King, and Fraser Mackie - have secured places in the newly launched Performing Arts and Production Converge Challenge, a competitive category in which only 14 applicants are taking part nationwide. The QMU Performing Arts and Production 2025 cohort are pictured above. Meanwhile, student Lorenzo Zorcolo will pitch his concept as part of the Converge KickStart Challenge. 

From a record-breaking 300+ entries, 125 entrepreneurs from all 19 Scottish universities were chosen, representing a wide range of sectors - from the arts to AI-driven tech and life sciences. 

All participants now embark on an intensive training programme to sharpen their entrepreneurial edge, leading up to the Converge Awards in October where a record £400,000 prize pot is up for grabs. We wish our five QMU entrepreneurs the best of luck. 

Find out more about the Converge Challenges and how you can apply, regardless of your background and entrepreneurial readiness, on the Converge Challenge website.

Read about each of our five entrepreneurs and their ideas below:   

Lorenzo Zorcolo, QMU student accepted into the Converge KickStart cohort 

“Cuaddu is a food pop-up idea that is centered around “la pizzetta da passeggio” translated as “the pizza you walk with.” Sardinia’s own twist of an Italian street food classic. The pizzettas are topped with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and topped with a variety of meats and veggies, folded in half along their longer side, wrapped up and consumed while walking. They are cheap, easy to prepare and to eat and are absolutely delicious.” 

Abel Zhang, QMU student accepted into the Performing Arts and Production cohort 

“This new venture brings international perspectives to Scotland’s theatre for young audiences (TYA) by developing a platform that supports interdisplinary exchange, artist development, and child-led aesthetic innovation. Drawing on my experience programming international TYA festivals and current PhD research into children’s audience engagement, the project centres children’s sensory, cognitive, emotional, and embodied participation. A key innovation is the involvement of child psychologists and participation specialists to ethically support children’s contributions as co-creators. Through residencies, workshops, and performances, this pilot connects artists, educators, and young people to shape inclusive, relevant theatre and build Scotland’s role within the global TYA community.” 

Lucia Cate Ireland (with Jenna Stones), QMU student accepted into the Performing Arts and Production cohort 

“DollsnRags is a new female-led theatre company, founded by Lucia Ireland and Jenna Stones. We aim to amplify women's voices in theatre, addressing critical issues like pay disparity, gender violence, and the erasure of women’s stories from history. We create paid employment opportunities for women and marginalised genders in the arts. Our debut play, Happy Ending Street, set in 1890s Edinburgh, follows three sex workers—Bonnie, Pearl, and Frances—fighting for a better life amid class oppression and societal corruption. We recently partnered with Women’s Aid and plan to use our platform to create safe spaces for women in the arts.” 

Betsy King, QMU student accepted into the Performing Arts and Production cohort 

“Creative Connect Scotland is a nationwide initiative to establish accessible cultural hubs where artists of all ages and disciplines can create, rehearse, and collaborate. These hubs will host networking and showcase events, practical workshops (e.g., funding and career guidance), and act as a dedicated creative job agency. By partnering with companies, we’ll connect creatives with high-quality opportunities including internships and project roles. We will also consult with agencies like Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government to advocate for freelancers’ rights, fair pay, and sustainable sector funding—ensuring that artists are not just supported creatively, but protected professionally.” 

Fraser Mackie, QMU student accepted into the Performing Arts and Production cohort 

“Backstage Pass is a digital subscription platform that will offer theatre, film, and television masterclasses from leading Scottish directors and creatives. Aimed at students, graduates, and early to mid-career artists, the platform will provide accessible, peer-driven professional development through exclusive video content, Podcasts, Q&As, and resources. It will address the skills gap in the cultural sector by opening up industry knowledge typically locked behind informal networks or institutional barriers. Designed to support inclusivity and sectoral resilience, Backstage Pass will empower subscribers to enhance and expand their creative practice, navigate careers, and connect with the realities of working in Scottish theatre today.”