The former chief executive and founder of Skyscanner, a Scottish unicorn company, will host and mentor a paid intern this year, as part of Saltire Scholars Programme, a flagship of Entrepreneurial Scotland.

The programme is actively recruiting organisations to host the scholars this coming summer, with a deadline for applications approaching at the end of April.

The initiative aims to play matchmaker between pre-vetted undergraduate students and organisations around the world. Once selected, students will be tasked with delivering commercially significant and impactful projects during their summer internship.

Skyscanner founder Gareth Williams will work directly with a chosen candidate for a ten week paid internship, where they will focus on a project using data and artificial intelligence.

“Future leaders need to be nurtured if we are to build a successful economy that can support the Scotland we all want to see,“ commented Williams. “I was impressed by the level of work that goes into uncovering these high potential young people and I know I can get useful work done whilst supporting their journey – I urge other business leaders to consider hosting an intern through the programme.”

Other participating organisations that have been confirmed to host interns over the summer include Network Rail and Sydney Airport.

Since its founding in 2007, Entrepreneurial Scotland says the programme has helped launch nearly 2,000 careers.

Sean McGrath, chief executive of Entrepreneurial Scotland, said: “We’re determined to ensure that the nation’s best entrepreneurial talent is discovered and given the opportunity to thrive.

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“We’re excited that this year’s programme is set to be our biggest yet, with over 650 student interns ready and waiting to enter businesses this summer.

“Not only are we the largest programme of our kind in Europe, but unique opportunities like this to work directly with experienced entrepreneurs like Gareth truly sets us apart.”