Students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh have launched a record number of startup companies in the last year, according to new statistics.

For the first time ever, a total of 100 startups were launched in the 2020-21 academic year, higher than any institution in the Russell Group list of 24 leading UK universities.

The milestone comes despite the fact many students have been absent from campus over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the 100 startups, 43 were founded by women, figures show. Additionally, 21 of the businesses define themselves as social enterprises, meaning they exist to benefit society.

Forty-five of the companies were launched by current or recent undergraduate students, while 55 were founded by postgraduates.

Inventions launched by the University’s student founders include AI-based virtual reality software for tennis players and coaches and a health research app that tracks people’s mood.

Other innovative products launched include a robotic system to sort waste for recycling and a grip-assist glove to help people live independently.

Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said: “Reaching this impressive milestone of 100 student start-ups in a year of lockdown and restrictions truly demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of our students.

“I know peer support is a big feature among these company founders, which is doubly impressive in these difficult times.

“I wish all our entrepreneurs every success with their enterprises, many of which are aiming to tackle important societal needs.”

The 100 milestone was marked at a Covid-safe celebration at the University’s Student Enterprise Hub.

Since the University of Edinburgh launched its first spinout startup, Reynolds Medical Ltd, in 1967, staff and students at the University have founded more than 800 companies.

In recent years, the number of student startups has been growing consistently at the University.

The number of startups has also doubled over the past three years from 50 in the 2017-18 academic year.

Companies launched by the University’s students and staff boast a record of long-term success, supported by venture capital and other investors.

In the year to 31^st July 2021, provisional figures show that £47.5 million was invested in University of Edinburgh startups and spinouts.

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Lorna Baird, Student Enterprise Manager at Edinburgh Innovations, said: “The rising number of young people turning their creative ideas into new products and services gives us all grounds for hope for the future.

“At Edinburgh Innovations we’re proud of all our company founders and proud to support them as they begin what we hope will be a long and fruitful journey.”

Entrepreneurial students and staff at the University of Edinburgh receive free support from Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service.

Support includes one-to-one business advice, access to mentoring networks, accelerator programmes and a busy calendar of enterprise events and competitions.