How Two Recent Graduates Emerged Victorious in The Global Innovation Challenge. Celebrating a Milestone for Shifted.

It’s an exciting time for Scotland's Cian Smith, 24, and Callum Leith, 22, the minds behind the new startup Shifted. Their recent triumph at the Heriot-Watt Global Innovation Challenge, securing the highest funding possible and the Best Prototype Stage Prize, underscores their dedication to confronting staffing shortages in the hospitality industry. Additionally, their recognition as finalists in the Young Scottish Edge competition speaks volumes about their promising journey in the startup ecosystem.

Strengthening Ties with Educational Institutions

The duo has formed significant collaborations with notable educational programs, including Techscaler, and startup programs at both the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University. These partnerships are offering both strategic guidance and practical resources to refine and enhance their business model.

Shifted: A New Era in Hospitality Staffing

Global Innovation Challenge judges were "impressed" by Shifted's innovation and dedication to simplifying how hospitality venues manage their staffing. By allowing quick connections with available staff, venues can effectively meet their fluctuating customer demands without the usual staffing hurdles. This platform is especially beneficial for those seeking flexible schedules, like students and part-time workers.

Impact of Staff Shortages in the Scottish Hospitality Industry

Last year, 61% of UK hospitality businesses reported facing severe staff shortages. These have a profound impact on the hospitality industry in Scotland, leading to lost revenue, compromised service quality, and increased operational stress. During peak times, these shortages can significantly strain resources, affecting both customer satisfaction and the overall sustainability of hospitality businesses.

Looking Ahead

With the accolades from the Global Innovation Challenge and support from Young Scottish Edge, the duo is eager to enhance Shifted’s capabilities and reach within the hospitality sector. Interested individuals can express their support and gain early access by entering their email on Shifted’s website. This early sign-up option ensures priority access to the app upon its launch in 2025, keeping supporters in the loop with the latest developments.

Stay connected with Shifted as they continue to refine their platform and reshape the hospitality industry’s staffing strategies.

For more information on Heriot-Watt’s Global Innovation Challenge and its support for innovators, visit Heriot-Watt University.