LU Innovations Triumphs at Converge Challenge 2023

November 2022

 

We are thrilled to announce that LU Innovations has achieved a major milestone by winning the prestigious Converge Create Change Challenge in 2023! 

This highly competitive event recognises the most innovative start-ups emerging from Scotland’s universities, and it brings us immense pride to be acknowledged for our mission to revolutionise menstrual care for adventurers.

The Converge Challenge is one of Scotland’s most celebrated entrepreneurial competitions, aimed at turning transformative ideas into viable businesses. Winning this competition is a testament to the impact we aim to make in the field of menstrual health. 

Our flagship product, LU Go Wild, designed specifically for individuals in remote environments, captivated the judges, highlighting a gap in the market that desperately needed addressing. This product is meticulously engineered to provide adventurers with the tools they need to maintain menstrual hygiene in places where basic facilities, such as running water or proper waste disposal, are often unavailable.

Our victory comes with significant benefits that will propel LU Innovations to the next level. Along with the prestigious title, we secured £30,000 in cash prizes and £10,000 in business support, which will help accelerate our product development and market expansion. 

Additionally, Erin Reid, LU’s founder, was granted the annual and equally prestigious rose award for female entrepreneurship securing her an exclusive one-on-one mentoring session with Alison Rose, the CEO of NatWest Group, providing invaluable insights and guidance as well as a further £10,000​.

Winning this challenge marks a pivotal moment in our journey, providing us with the resources and exposure needed to push the boundaries of what menstrual care can achieve, particularly in harsh and remote environments. As we look ahead, this funding and recognition will be crucial in driving our mission to ensure that menstruation never stands in the way of adventure. Whether scaling mountains or embarking on remote expeditions, we’re committed to making period care accessible anywhere

More company news

Women with purple back pack standing at the top of a mountain facing the camara wit a smile on her face

The Women Proving That Boldness Belongs in the Outdoors

Women are taking up space in adventure, sport, and STEM, proving that boldness isn’t about being fearless, it’s about showing up. This International Women’s Day, meet four inspiring women who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and leading the way in outdoor confidence. From bikepacking and mountain climbing to geology and wild camping, they’re proving that adventure is for everyone. Ready to be inspired? Read their stories now.

LU Innovations is Heading to ISPO Munich 2024—Come Say Hello!

LU Innovations is heading to the ISPO in Munich this year, our first retail trade show and we...

We’ve Launched

Today we launched LU, and honestly, it feels surreal.

Two years ago almost to the day I was pitching at Converge to turn my dream into something tangible. To be here now, launching LU Innovations, feels both ironic and poetic.

LU Innovations Pre-Launch – 7 Days to Go!

The wait is almost over! After months of careful preparation, LU Innovations is excited to announce that we are just 7 days away from launching our innovative menstrual health products. This journey has been incredible, and we’re ready to bring our solutions to adventurers and remote workers who need them the most.

LU Doubles in Size! Meet Bex, Our New Team Member

Today we’re thrilled to announce a big milestone—our team has officially doubled in size! Please join us in welcoming Bex, our new Marketing Executive, who’s arrived just as we gear up for some exciting new product launches.

Scottish EDGE Secures Further Growth for LU Innovations

The support from Scottish EDGE will also help us enhance our sustainability efforts, bringing eco-friendly, long-lasting solutions to the menstrual care market. We are committed to creating products that minimise environmental impact while empowering women to pursue their outdoor passions without compromise.

LU X Adidas Collaboration

As part of the Breaking Barriers programme, LU Innovations will receive mentorship from Adidas experts, participate in customised workshops, and collaborate with other forward-thinking organisations working to make sport more inclusive.

Interest from the MoD

LU has been awarded a grant of over £120,000 from the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). This significant funding will support the development of our menstrual health kits specifically tailored for military personnel deployed in remote environments.

I Said The Word Vagina On The Radio

Founder Erin’s personal journey featured by BBC Out of Doors radio program.
“There’s numerous times that I’ve talked to people who’ve said that they’ve actually had UTIs [urinary tract infections] while out and about because they hadn’t changed their pad or tampon, or they hadn’t had time to use the bathroom quick enough.”

Hit the big screens, featuring on both BBC and STV News

Fresh off the back of our Converge Challenge win, LU Innovations hit the big screens, featuring on both BBC and STV News as we officially launched our ambitious vision to lead the menstrual health revolution.