In this episode of Beyond Startups, we speak with Artur, co-founder of Vici Bio, a computational-biology startup built to make advanced protein modelling accessible to every scientist.Artur discusses how his Biochemistry degree, a research placement in Singapore, and a self-taught interest in coding led him to build Vici Bio with his co-founder. He explains why biology is entering a new era driven by AI-enabled discovery, how Vici Bio removes bottlenecks in tools like AlphaFold, and how automated workflows can accelerate everything from binder design to pathway analysis.We also explore the reality of starting a deep-tech company as a student, navigating user growth, fundraising decisions, and the future possibilities of AI-driven protein engineering.Tune in to hear how Vici Bio is shaping the future of biotechnology.
In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Alex Rowe, St Andrews Economics alumnus and founder of Sun & Planet, a Scottish initiative dedicated to helping early-stage tech startups become investment-ready.After graduating in 2015, Alex built a career advising hundreds of founders and supporting fundraises totalling over £60 million. He shares his path from academic curiosity about crowdfunding to launching programmes that close Scotland’s early-stage funding gap — and the lessons he’s learned about people, perseverance, and purposeful growth along the way.Tune in to hear how every no can be a step towards a yes.
In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Alex Brunner, St Andrews alumnus and co-founder of Aurelia AI, an Oxford-incubated startup developing voice-driven agents that make navigating the web faster, simpler, and more inclusive.Alex shares how his first failed student venture sparked a deeper curiosity for entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to co-found Aurelia AI, a company now shaping the next generation of empathetic digital experiences.Tune in to hear insights on building in the fast-moving AI landscape, finding the right co-founders, and designing technology that puts people, not algorithms, first.
Innovation Week Special Edition – Douglas Clement, Founder of Kingsbarns DistilleryIn this special episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Douglas Clement, founder of Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife.Douglas shares his remarkable journey from St Andrews golf caddie to entrepreneur, transforming a derelict farm into a world-class distillery and visitor centre. He talks about learning an entirely new craft, raising capital for a ten-year business plan, and knowing when to let go of the venture he built.Recorded as part of Innovation Week 2025, this episode celebrates local enterprise, resilience, and the spirit of turning a dream into a dram.
In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Carina Kohli, founder of HumCare, a health-tech startup dedicated to improving employee wellbeing and access to care across India.After studying at the University of St Andrews, Carina was inspired by her own health experiences to create a platform that bridges the gaps in everyday healthcare; from mental health and fertility support to chronic condition management and elderly care.She shares how Humm Care grew from a pandemic-era idea into a nationwide B2B company, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, consistency, and building impact-driven businesses in the fast-growing health-tech landscape.
In this episode of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Oliver Clem, St Andrews Chemistry alumnus and co-founder of Solas Healthcare, a startup pioneering patient-focused access to medicinal cannabis in the UK.Oliver reflects on his journey from graduating in 1996, to a 20-year career in pharmaceutical manufacturing, to launching a venture shaped by compassion and innovation. He shares insights into navigating strict regulations, overcoming stigma, and tackling the rollercoaster of fundraising in a controversial industry.Tune in to hear Oliver’s story, the lessons he’s learned about resilience and teamwork, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to build impactful ventures in complex markets.
In this episode we are joined by Kat Pohorecka, CoFounder of Mude, an adaptive wear company that delivers functional and fashionable undergarments to people whose health and wellbeing depends on wearing medical devices. Kat shares what she has learnt in her journey from studying Product Design to becoming a founder: from the importance of customer discovery and user-centred design, to the perks and challenges associated with being a neurodivergent entrepreneur, through to how she supports aspiring founders through her work at Edinburgh Innovations.
In this episode, we speak with Angus Robertson, Portfolio Manager within the High Growth Ventures team at Scottish Enterprise. Angus and his team work with early-stage, high-potential companies at the critical point where substantial investment is needed to scale from creation to revenue. With a focus on de-risking and adding value, Angus helps founders navigate leadership development, team building, proof of concept, and, crucially, securing funding through angels, VCs, high-net-worth individuals, grants… Tune in to hear a perspective from the support side of entrepreneurship!Scottish Enterprise Ecosystem Guide: https://www.scottishenterprise.com/media/ecosystem/ecosystem-guide.pdf
In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand inspired by a love of nature and a commitment to empowering women through design. With a background in fashion and textiles, Alex set out to rethink performance wear, creating high-quality, ethically made garments that blend style, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Along the way, Alex opens up about navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, leading with values, and why connection, to nature, self, and community, is at the heart of everything FINDRA stands for.
In this special STAR Radio live edition of Beyond Startups, we’re joined by Dr Abd Alsattar Ardati, Lecturer in Computer Science, and Digital Strategy Officer at the University of St Andrews.With a PhD in Computer Science and a passion for collaboration and impact, Abd’s work focuses on bridging the gap between researchers and communities to tackle pressing social challenges, from digital poverty to misinformation. His research introduced the Ethnographically-informed Distributed Participatory Design (EDPD) framework, which empowers diverse online communities to contribute to bottom-up solutions.In this episode, Abd shares insights from his current project on the connection between inner personal development and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. We explore how self-awareness, mindset, and intentional design can help founders and changemakers create meaningful, lasting impact.
In this week's special EdenTay roundtable episode of Beyond Startups, we’re spotlighting the importance of female founders by sitting down with three women whose ventures challenge the norms of their industries through thoughtful design, technical creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.👗 Noemie Jouas, founder of NoeDresses, shares her journey in building a sustainable slow fashion brand from the ground up, balancing timeless design with ethical production. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan, and she’s on a mission to change the way we consume fashion.🎮 Ellen Dunsmore and 🎨 Ivana Rodrigues, co-founders of ShoutyKnot Games, talk about launching their indie game studio and expanding into intuitive app and web design. Together, they explore how creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful tech can transform both storytelling and user experience.From overcoming industry barriers to building communities and redefining leadership, these founders reflect on what it means to be female founders in their industries.
In this episode, we speak with Caragh Keane, founder of Superkeen, an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)-friendly cereal brand, offering allergen-free, gut-friendly products designed to support anti-inflammatory lifestyles. Inspired by her own experience living with lupus, Caragh created Superkeen to make it easier for people with autoimmune conditions or dietary restrictions to access nourishing, enjoyable food. Caragh walks us through her startup journey, from a personal health challenge to building an award-winning food brand now stocked in Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, and Selfridges.
In this episode, we’re joined by Leonardo Binetti — the Chief Technology Officer, Co-founder, and Scientific Director of Arabat, a circular economy startup pioneering a game-changing lithium battery recycling process using agri-food waste. Arabat recovers valuable metals from used batteries using organic waste such as oranges, marking a leap forward in sustainable tech.Leonardo holds a PhD in Optoelectronics from Edinburgh Napier University and serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence there, guiding the next generation of innovators. His entrepreneurial journey spans multiple ventures, including a pizzeria in Italy, and he shares how he balances five businesses while managing international expansion.Tune in for insights on translating academic research into real-world impact, raising investment, and the mindset shift from academia to entrepreneurship.
In this episode, we are joined by Ali-Reza Omidvar who is the Co-founder & CEO of Inoox, an AI task management platform designed to keep you in control and reduce anxiety. This platform integrates sentimental analytics with proactive task management, empowering teams to stay organized and focused while enhancing productivity and well-being.His expertise in anxiety and mental health extends beyond AI having previously served as the Event Officer and YouTube Manager for the Oxford Psychedelic Society, where he organized events with top scientists and spiritual leaders.Tune in to hear Ali-Reza share his story and to hear his insight on AI can be used as a task management tool that can help reduce anxiety!
In this episode, we are joined by Carlos Navarro, a Computer Science graduate from the University of St Andrews and the co-founder of Wayak AI - a tech startup that provides an AI operating system to help businesses automate operations using large language models.Carlos discusses how his company, Wayak, evolved from a cross-border payment platform into a full-scale AI automation solution. He dives into the intricacies of AI, including its rapid pace, competitive landscape, and the importance of privacy-first solutions. Carlos also shares his entrepreneurial journey - from launching his first startup in high school to becoming profitable within a year with Wayak.Tune in to hear Carlos talk about perseverance through failure, pivoting smartly, and building AI products that truly serve businesses!
In this episode, we are joined by Emilio Rimini who is the co-founder and owner of The Green Company, which addresses the challenge of finding alternatives to single use plastic products through its goal of offering condensed cleaning solutions to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions from household staples.Emilio Rimini is a St Andrews Alumnus who graduated from the University last June with a degree in Geography. Throughout his time at the University, Emilio worked on several entrepreneurial endeavors, his E-Commerce experience being instrumental in moving The Green Company’s operations online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in to hear Emilio share his story and to hear his advice on overcoming failure and persevering within the business world!
In this episode, we are joined by Johnny Jain, the founder of JJ Agency, a relocation service dedicated to helping international students secure rental housing in the UK. Johnny is a psychology student at the University of St Andrews, and has started his entrepreneurial journey over a year ago, having to balance academics with the demands of running a business. He shares his experience of launching JJ Agency, discussing challenges like having a low initial budget, outsourcing labor, maintaining work-life balance, and staying motivated through setbacks. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and insights on navigating student entrepreneurship and the UK housing market.
In this episode, we are joined by Farshad Nowshadi, the business mentor and VC of Level39(UK), with a background as the ex-VP of Technology for one of the largest banks in the Middle East and experience mentoring original startups such as WISE and Revolut.Farshad hosted our Fin-Tech workshop at the University of St Andrews during Innovation Week last semester, and joined us once again on the Beyond StArtups podcast to reflect on his journey from working for over 25 years with major corporations such as Reuters, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, and even Microsoft HQ, to writing internationally-selling books on technology in the financial world, through to being an initial investor in Google and Amazon!Tune in to hear Farshad share his expertise on how you can maximise your business opportunities and prepare yourself for the tsunami of AI technologies that are coming our way!
In this episode, we are joined by Noemie Jouas, the founder of NoeDresses, a slow fashion brand specializing in made-to-order garments. Noemie began her entrepreneurial journey during her final year as a management student at the University of St Andrews. After graduating in 2021, she moved to London to continue growing her business.Noemie shares her experience of turning a lifelong passion for sewing into a thriving brand, discussing challenges like work-life balance, managing her business during COVID, and the creative rewards that come with being an entrepreneur.Tune in to hear her inspiring story and insights on navigating the world of slow fashion and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, we’re joined by Abdhesh Kumar, founder of Copper & Carbon Ltd., an energy tech startup creating innovative wind turbine solutions to fast-track the global transition to net zero.Abdhesh shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a small town in India, to moving to the UK in pursuit of better education, to launching a cutting-edge business in the UK. He discusses the development of his vertical axis wind turbine prototype, securing funding, and the challenges of being a first-time entrepreneur in the hardware sector.Tune into this episode packed with insights on sustainability, innovation, and resilience.