RGU Graduates have established a business start-up from their MBA project

RGU Graduates have established a business start-up from their MBA project

Robert Gordon University (RGU) MBA graduates are developing an innovative solution to eliminate long bar queues at major events.

Sam Pettipher (pictured above right) and Nick Beeson (above left) have established a business start-up that aims to commercialise an idea they developed while studying for their MBA.

They have founded EBar Initiatives with a goal of adapting innovative technology from the Oil and Food sectors to radically change the way in which beverages are served.

Just days after completing their final assignments of their full-time MBA programme, the team were one of just twenty selected from over one hundred companies to join the Accelerator Programme at Elevator UK.

The twelve-week programme seeks to support local entrepreneurial businesses with high growth prospects through education, networking and mentoring.

Sam Pettipher, Managing Director of EBar Initiatives, said: “We were all keen to put what we have learned in our MBA studies in to practice and the Accelerator Program is helping to provide structure to our efforts in these early days.

“The team at Elevator has a great network and we are looking forward to connecting with local partners who can help us create a north-east growth success story.”

Dr John Park, RGU Lecturer and Serial Technology Entrepreneur, who teaches technology commercialisation module on the Aberdeen Business School MBA programme, said: “The module isn’t just designed to “teach” people how to build technology ventures, it specifically requires them to begin to assemble one during the programme.

“It was clear that the EBar team took this very seriously from the get-go and their final presentation had me absolutely convinced that they could develop a technology business that has the potential to disrupt the hospitality industry on a global basis.

“We are currently exploring how to make similar programmes available across the entire university and that this will be one of many technology ventures started by students while studying at RGU.”

Andy Campbell, Elevator project manager, said: “At Elevator, we look out for innovation-driven companies with great ideas and great people to take part of our Accelerator programme.

"Out of the one hundred plus applications for our latest programme, EBar Initiatives stood out for these reasons. Not only do they have a great innovative idea with potential, we were impressed by the professional and academic calibre of the team.

"Elevator will work closely with the team to develop their business, validating and refining their ideas. We see great potential and opportunity for them in the future.”

The team at EBar Initiatives will now be working with event venues across Scotland over the coming months to develop a prototype and look forward to graduating in December. 

Ebar Initiatives are currently in the early stages developing innovative solutions to bar capacity issues, currently testing different technologies to create a prototype and throughout the 12-week Accelerator Programme they will develop their business further to refine their idea.

This article is by Stacey Horne, Communications Officer, Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University. See the original article HERE

This story also appeared in The Scotsman, and The Press & Journal.