Organisations we've supported
Organisations across the Highlands and Islands are using innovation to develop new products, improve services, embrace new technologies and unlock new opportunities for growth. Explore some of the ways we've helped businesses and organisations turn ideas into practical results.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, open since 1970, offers over 20 attractions ranging from wildlife exhibits to thrill rides, set against the Cairngorms National Park.
H&I Adventures
After spending early two decades crafting unforgettable guided mountain biking holidays across the world, H&I Adventures advancing digital innovation with HIE support.
Skyeskyns
Skyeskyns develops handcrafted marbled leather collection with HIE innovation support
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about innovation and the support available from HIE. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch.
Innovation is about finding new or better ways of doing things. It can involve developing a new product, improving a service, adopting new technology, creating a new business model or improving how your organisation operates. Innovation doesn't have to be a world-first idea - often it starts with solving a problem or identifying an opportunity.
Innovation can take many forms. It might be a new product, service or process, an improvement to an existing offering, the adoption of new technology, or a more efficient and sustainable way of working. The key is that it creates value for your organisation, customers or community.
No. Innovation isn't always about inventing something entirely new. Many successful innovation projects involve improving existing products, services or processes, or applying ideas in a new way.
HIE's innovation programme supports businesses, social enterprises and community organisations across the Highlands and Islands. Whether you're exploring an idea, developing a project or looking to grow an existing organisation, support is available.
Innovation can help organisations improve productivity, develop new products and services, reach new customers, increase income, respond to changing markets, improve sustainability and remain competitive. It can also help organisations become more resilient and adaptable to future challenges.
Support can include advice from HIE's innovation specialists, access to specialist expertise, workshops and learning opportunities, knowledge exchange activities, and funding for eligible projects.
Research and development, often called R&D, involves investigating, testing and developing new products, services or processes where there is an element of innovation or technical uncertainty. R&D can help organisations turn ideas into practical solutions and bring new innovations closer to market.
Funding is available for eligible innovation and research and development projects. The level and type of funding available will depend on the nature of the project and whether it meets programme criteria.
Yes. Many innovation projects help organisations reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, develop low-carbon products and services, or find more sustainable ways of operating. Sustainability can often go hand-in-hand with innovation and business growth.
Yes. You don't need to have a fully developed idea before getting in touch. Our innovation specialists can help you explore opportunities, assess your idea and identify the most appropriate next steps and support available.
No. Innovation can happen in any sector and isn't limited to technology companies. Organisations in tourism, food and drink, manufacturing, the creative industries, social enterprise, community development and many other sectors can all benefit from innovation support.
The first step is to contact HIE's innovation team. We'll discuss your organisation, your goals and any challenges or opportunities you're exploring, then help identify the support that may be right for you.
Fill out our innovation enquiry form today to get started.
Innovation is one of five core values, and it's integral to what we do at Russwood. We dedicate a lot of time and resource into R&D. We thoroughly test all our products.