Friends of Bata × University of Edinburgh: Supporting the Next Generation of Scottish Talent
At Friends of Bata, we believe that talent should never be limited by financial barriers.
That is why we are proud to support the Access Edinburgh Scholarship Programme at the University of Edinburgh, one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities and a globally recognised centre for research, innovation and education.
Together with OMNI Centre, this partnership will provide meaningful financial support to Scottish students from low-income backgrounds, helping them access world-class education and pursue ambitious academic and professional paths.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
Through a £180,000 commitment over three years, the programme will fully support 30 students throughout their undergraduate studies.
The scholarships focus on students accepted into business-related degrees, biomedical sciences and sustainability-focused programmes, areas that play a critical role in shaping the future of business, science and society.
Each scholar receives £3,000 per year to support their personal and academic expenses during their studies.
Importantly, the University of Edinburgh will match this support, doubling the impact of the programme and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed.
This financial support allows students to concentrate on their studies, engage in university life, and develop their potential without the added pressure of financial hardship.
Investing in the Scottish Community
As a Scottish institution, Omni is deeply committed to supporting local communities and expanding access to opportunity for the next generation.
Through this partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Access Edinburgh programme, the initiative directly contributes to creating more inclusive pathways into higher education for talented young people across Scotland.
Building Opportunities for Future Leaders
At Friends of Bata, our mission is to empower young people through learning, entrepreneurship and global collaboration.
Supporting educational access initiatives such as the Access Edinburgh Scholarship Programme reflects that commitment.
Because when talented students are given the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their ambitions, they don’t just transform their own futures — they contribute to building stronger communities and a more innovative world.
Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences, entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.
Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!
