Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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HIE support

Digital and technology support from HIE

Helping you develop and advance technology within your business

We have a range of support available to help you develop and advance the use of technology within your business. From grants to one-to-one support with digital specialists, we can help you adopt new technologies and get started with artificial intelligence (AI).

Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE)

Delivered in partnership with BT, this programme offers support for start-ups and small organisations to develop new digital and technology products, processes and services.

Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant

Our Digital and Technology Start-up Advice Grant offers up to £5,000 to help people in the Highlands and Islands access specialist advice and mentoring to start a new digital or tech business.

Technology Development Grant

Our Technology Development Grant offers between £10,000 - £25,000 to help organisations undertake research, develop and test a new digital or technology-led product, process or service.

Technology Kickstart Grant

Our Technology Kickstart Grant is an early-stage research and development grant of up to £10,000 to help you develop a new digital or technology-led minimum viable product, process or service.

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AI Scotland

What is it?

AI Scotland, is a key action as part of Scotland’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2031. It will help small and medium-sized businesses in Scotland harness AI to boost productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and build long-term skills and capability.

The programme is designed for businesses that are ready to move beyond early exploration and start using AI more actively. It will provide practical support to improve leadership, prepare organisations for change, and scale up successful AI use.

Leadership is at the heart of the programme. Through the AI Leadership Academy, business leaders will receive guidance to identify where AI can add value, understand the opportunities it offers, and adopt it in a responsible and effective way that supports their goals.

Watch this space - sign up to the HIE Newsletter for updates.

Further digital and technology support

Funding and specialist advice is available for organisations looking to advance the use of technology.

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CyberScotland Partnership

As a partner in the Scottish Government’s Cyber Resilience Strategy, we are strengthening cyber resilience across the Highlands and Islands. Through the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of public, private and third sector organisations, we will raise awareness, share practical advice, and signpost to expert support so organisations can stay secure online and respond to cyber threats.

For more information, visit the CyberScotland website.

Support from our partners

Not found what you need? Have a look at how some of our partners can help you with digital development.

Techscaler

Techscaler is a free Scottish Government membership programme offering tailored support for everyone across Scotland with the ambition to build a startup, at every stage of the journey.

CyberScotland

The CyberScotland Partnership is a collaborative leadership approach to focus efforts on improving cyber resilience across Scotland.

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