Judges from FutureX and Johnston Carmichael selected Dr Tayyaba Nafees (CyberShell Solutions), Phil Worms (Frog Systems) and Caroline McKenna (Social Good Connect) to progress from the semi-finals which took place virtually on September 30th. They represent applicants from across the country and industries spanning cybersecurity, mental health, and philanthropy.

CyberShell is a digital platform that provides solutions to ensure security for the software industry.
Frog Systems is a is a digital mental health and wellbeing company utilising video to communicate messages of hope and signpost support to those in need.

Social Good Connect is a digital search and match platform connecting employers and their employees to volunteering opportunities which positively impact the community.

The overall winner of the Startup Summit Competition will receive a fully funded place on FutureX's Silicon Valley Scale programme and a business support package worth over £60,000. This package includes business support from Johnston Carmichael, STV, FutureX, Purpose HR, and AAI EmployAbility.

The Silicon Valley Scale programme takes a select group of rising UK tech leaders to Silicon Valley. There, they have the opportunity to connect with leading global players in the tech industry and pitch to potential investors. Previous cohorts have met with executives from Airbnb, Facebook, SurveyMonkey, RocketSpace, Y Combinator, Waze, and Threshold.

Kirsty Irvine, semi-final judge and Senior Business Development Manager at Johnston Carmichael said: "From gaming to cyber security to mental health and more; we heard pitches from a diverse range of businesses in the semi-final, all, who regardless of stage, would have benefited from a place on FutureX’s Silicon Valley Scale programme.

However the three we’ve chosen to go through to the final gave real evidence of their ability to achieve growth in the coming year so would best maximise the opportunities from the programme."

Bruce Walker, semi-final judge and Co-founder of FutureX, said: "The SUS20 Competition Final is going to be one to watch. From over a hundred applications, we have selected three very exciting technology companies who are using business as a force for good. The prize fund will be used to accelerate their impact and wrap support around promising startups - the judges are going to have a tough decision to make!"

The competition final will be hosted live on Day 2 of Startup Summit 2020 on October 29th. For more information, you can visit here.