What is it?
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mentoring Support 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.
AI has the potential to help organisations improve productivity, automate routine tasks, make better use of data, enhance customer experiences, develop new products and services, and identify new opportunities for growth. However, many organisations are unsure where to start or how AI could work in practice for their business.
This mentoring support provides a tailored opportunity to explore the potential of AI in your organisation. Through personalised guidance, advice and resources, you'll be able to discuss your business goals, challenges and ambitions with an experienced specialist who can help you identify practical opportunities for AI adoption.
The support is delivered through an online mentoring session. During the session you'll discuss your organisation's needs, explore how AI could support your objectives and begin developing an action plan for taking the next steps. You'll also receive guidance on the ethical, trustworthy and inclusive use of AI, helping you adopt AI technologies responsibly and with confidence.
Who is eligible?
Businesses and social enterprises of any size based within the Highlands and Islands or Moray region are eligible to apply.
Clients who are participating in other AI Scotland initiatives in the Highlands and Islands are welcome to enquire.
There is space to accommodate 40 organisations in this programme.
Who is NOT eligible?
organisations who are not located in the Highlands and Islands or Moray area
businesses who received AI mentoring support or consultancy from HIE in 2025/26 are ineligible
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.
Timeline
enquiries open on Friday 18 September 2026
enquiries will close when all mentoring places are filled and/or by Tuesday 16 February 2027
applicants will be notified within 10 working days
all mentoring support must be complete by Thursday 18 March 2027
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 about your enquiry, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk.
