H&I Adventures case study

Turning a vision into reality 

H&I Adventures turned to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) via an account manager who they had worked with for over a decade. Through HIE’s Innovation Programme, the business was able to work with an innovation advisor who helped them access funding and provided specialist R&D guidance, enabling them to develop and refine the new platform. 

“It was actually very easy to engage with HIE,” Euan says. “We’d already done a lot of the groundwork, and their support really made it possible for us to move forward with confidence.”

The R&D grant supported the recruitment of developers, subcontractors and a graduate placement - all focused on building out the app’s infrastructure and user experience. Designed as an all-in-one solution for riders, event organisers and destination management, the platform brings together everything from digital itineraries and race management tools to community features and live mapping.

Although still in development, the app has already been successfully piloted at major events in Spain and the US, attracting interest from organisations keen to use its tools for destination management including trail monitoring and event delivery.

Euan reflects: “Developing a digital product is like stepping into the unknown - there are always surprises. Having HIE’s support gave us the flexibility to adapt quickly and chase new opportunities as they emerge.”

For other businesses considering innovation support, his advice is simple:
“Just have the conversation. You don’t need all the answers before you reach out. The earlier you engage with HIE and its Innovation programme, the more options you’ll have.”