Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Programme 2026/27

What is it?

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Programme is part of AI Scotland, a national initiative supported by the Scottish Government to help businesses and organisations understand, adopt and benefit from artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence can help organisations improve productivity, automate routine processes, make better use of data, strengthen decision making, enhance customer experiences and identify new opportunities for growth. However, many organisations are unsure where to begin or how to apply AI in a way that delivers practical business value.

This programme is designed for ambitious businesses, social enterprises, founders and leaders who want to explore how AI could support their organisation. Through a combination of expert-led workshops, mentoring and one-to-one consultancy, participants will gain the knowledge, confidence and practical understanding needed to identify opportunities for AI adoption and develop a plan for implementation.

You do not need to be an AI expert to take part. The programme is suitable for organisations that are at an early stage of exploring AI, as well as those looking to take a more strategic approach to adoption.

Participants will learn how AI can be applied within their organisation, explore real-world examples and best practice, understand the opportunities and risks associated with AI, and develop a practical roadmap for future action.

Programme timeline

Participants must confirm that they have availability on ALL of the specified dates below. 

The programme will start on Thursday 29 October 2026 with a one day in person/hybrid event from 10:00 until 16:00 at HIE's An Lòchran office, based in Inverness Campus.

There will be five two-hour online workshops held on the following dates:

• Thursday 12 November 2026 (from 10:00-12:00)

• Tuesday 8 December 2026 (from 10:00-12:00)

• Tuesday 12 January 2027 (from 10:00-12:00)

• Thursday 18 February 2027 (from 10:00-12:00)

• Tuesday 16 March 2027 (from 10:00-12:00)

We have 12-15 places on the programme. Each organisation participating will receive two hours of one-to-one consultancy.

There is no cost to take part in the programme and there will be an opportunity to apply for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs.

The programme will be delivered by 17 Points.

What are the programme benefits?

• Expert guidance - learn from industry leaders and AI experts who will provide insights into the latest AI technologies and trends at in person, hybrid and online events.

• Customised support - receive tailored one-to-one advice and support to address the unique challenges and opportunities within your business.

• Hands on training - participate in workshops and training sessions to develop practical skills in AI applications.

• Networking opportunities - connect with other businesses and professionals to share experiences and collaborate on AI initiatives.

• Resource access - gain access to a wealth of resources, including tools, case studies, and best practices for AI integration.

• Signposting to potential grant funding to implement your data and AI plans.

Who's eligible?

To participate in the AI Adoption Programme, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• be an ambitious Highlands and Islands or Moray based business or social enterprise within industry sectors eligible for HIE support

• demonstrate a commitment to innovation and growth and to decision maker attendance at all the scheduled events and consultancy

• you do not need in depth knowledge of AI but have a clear interest in exploring AI technologies in the context of your business challenges and ambitions

• ready to think strategically about AI Adoption and building business capacity

One-to-one consultations will be scheduled by 17 Points.

 We can accommodate 12-15 organisations on this programme. 

Who is NOT eligible?

• organisations who are not located in the Highlands and Islands or Moray area

• businesses and social enterprises operating primarily in the retail, food and beverage service or personal services sector (e.g. shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, alternative therapist etc) or business services sector (lawyers, accountants, consultants, training agencies etc), will be considered on a case-by-case basis

• accommodation businesses operating from an applicant’s own home (e.g. B&B or AirBnB type businesses) are not eligible

• organisations which are primarily core funded by the public sector are not eligible (core funding does not include project funding and service level agreements with the public sector)

• religious and political organisations are not eligible

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get in touch.

Application timeline

• applications open on Friday 18 September 2026

• applications will close on Tuesday 6 October 2026

• applicants will be notified within 10 working days

The small print

• All HIE assistance is discretionary.

• Support is subject to due diligence and budget availability. Due diligence includes making an assessment on the need for public funding; the viability of the business going forward; the ability of the applicant to participated in the project; the impact of the development on the economy, and the strength of the business case presented to HIE.

• Making an enquiry does not guarantee that your application will be successful. If you are not successful in your application or you are only partially successful e.g. you receive funding of a lesser amount than you applied for, we will arrange a call with you to let you know why you have been unsuccessful and point you in the direction of other possible sources of funding.

• There is NO appeals process. We are unable to consider a complaint purely relating to dissatisfaction as to the outcome of a decision. However, if you have identified a specific process failure relating to your application, then you may wish to make a formal complaint. See our formal complaints process for more information.

Need to speak to us?

If you would like to talk to someone, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk and we will get back to you.