Press release
University entrepreneurs recognised at national awards
Businesses founded by University of Dundee entrepreneurs have been honoured with top prizes at a national awards ceremony.
Published on 22 May 2025
Justyna Skop with Marjory Sweeney of Scottish Enterprise at the ceremony.
New-Found-Hope, an adaptive children’s brand building footwear for young children who toe-walk, and Cognimusica, which utilises music to enhance learning for children, scooped honours at the Scottish EDGE Awards for innovative businesses.
Founded by Dundee graduate Nathan Dudley, New-Found-Hope secured £100,000, while Cognimusica, founded by graduate Justyna Skop, claimed £10,000 in funding to further develop their business models.
Both firms have received extensive support in setting up their businesses from the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research and Innovation Services.
Dr David McBeth, Vice-Principal (Enterprise and Economic Transformation), said, “I would like to congratulate both Nathan and Justyna on their awards, which are richly deserved and further recognise the University’s success in nurturing entrepreneurs from across our community.
“Here at the University of Dundee, we are aware of the role we have in supporting business concepts that have the potential to transform lives. By nurturing those who wish to develop these ideas, we can support innovation and economic opportunities that benefit both our local, the rest of Scotland, as well as lives around the world.”
New-Found-Hope’s groundbreaking work focuses on developing therapeutic footwear designed to address toe-walking in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of children worldwide.
Toe-walking affects 5-10% of the world's children and 41% of those with neurodevelopmental conditions. It can lead to long-term medical problems, injuries, muscular atrophy, and an increased risk of bullying. New-Found-Hope's comfortable footwear device promotes a healthy heel-to-toe gait motion, decreasing these risks and building confidence in children.
Cognimusica’s pioneering work blends music theory, therapy, and instrumental training for children. Drawing from her eight years of experience as a music tutor and her background in music therapy, Justyna recognised the potential to bridge the gap between traditional instrumental training and music therapy, creating a unique space where children can benefit both musically and cognitively.
New-Found-Hope and Cognimusica are just two successful startups to emerge from the University’s pipeline of entrepreneurial talent. Their accomplishments reflect the University’s own standing as a centre for excellence in nurturing the next generation of successful businesspeople. Last year, Dundee was crowned the UK’s Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards, and also crowned Innovative & Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the European Triple E Awards.