By Émer O’Toole, News Editor

 

The University has awarded a graduate who created a rapidly-growing IT company in recognition of his achievements and his support for current students.

The Strathclyde People award has been given to Craig Taylor, Managing Director of Cojengo, which produces apps and data designed to help farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to have illness in their livestock diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively.

Craig has been supported in his venture by the Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network, a collaborative network that brings together the University’s academic and professional services to support enterprise and commercialisation activity.

He has, in return, volunteered his own time and experience to the Strathclyde community, particularly in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

Taylor, who graduated in Computer Science from Strathclyde in 2008, received the award during a graduation ceremony at Strathclyde’s Barony Hall.

He said:  “The support Strathclyde has offered us whilst forming Cojengo has been invaluable, from access to their network and investment opportunities to two non-executives on our board, student interns and office accommodation.

There has also been endless support from the Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network; Cojengo wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them”.

Professor Ian Ruthven, Head of the University’s Department of Computer & Information Sciences, presented Taylor for the award.

He said that he hopes Taylor’s success will “inspire students to give entrepreneurship a go.”

“Through his many alumni volunteering activities, Craig has stimulated entrepreneurial thinking, provided new opportunities for enhancing our student’s University experience, and mentored new University talent.”

The award was presented ahead of Celebration of Enterprise Week, a series of events from 17-21 November showcasing the work of Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network.

In 2014, Cojengo teamed up with software giant Microsoft to provide innovative diagnostic tools and disease surveillance data for farmers in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania.