HealthTech Residency 2027

What is it? 

The HealthTech Residency is a free, six-month programme for entrepreneurs developing new health technology products and services.

Based at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre on Inverness Campus, the residency gives you access to specialist expertise, experienced entrepreneurs, professional networks, facilities and potential funding opportunities.

Led by HIE, with support from NHS Highland’s Research, Development and Innovation Team, the programme will help you understand what evidence and clinical validation you may need and how to take this forward. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your ideas, connect with other health-tech entrepreneurs and get specialist support.

The residency runs from January to June 2027. You’ll have access to four activities or workshops each month, as well as a dedicated desk at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre, available on weekdays throughout the six-month programme.

Who is it for?

• The programme is for entrepreneurs developing a new health-tech product or service. This could be a digital or physical product or service designed to improve health outcomes, support diagnosis or treatment, or benefit patients, customers or healthcare professionals.

• Your product or service could be aimed at individuals, businesses or the health service. The NHS support available through the programme will be particularly useful if your idea aims to improve patient outcomes or experiences, or the way healthcare services are delivered.

• This programme is offered to small-to-medium sized enterprises and individuals that are based in the Highlands and Islands, or actively looking to establish your business here.

Who is not eligible?

The programme isn't available to:

• Enterprises that are not developing a new health-tech product or service

• Enterprises primarily core-funded by the public sector, although project funding or service-level agreements with the public sector do not count as core funding

• religious or political organisations.

What's the cost?

The programme is fully funded, so there is no cost to take part.

The programme does not cover employee salary costs.

Travel and accommodation costs are not normally covered, although these may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What are the timescales?

• 30 November 2026, 12 noon: Applications close

• 14 December 2026: Applicants will be told the outcome of their application

• Before the programme begins: Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide some additional information

• January to June 2027: HealthTech Residency takes place

How do I apply?

Complete our application form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Need to speak to us?

If you'd like to talk to someone about the programme or your application, please email  enquiries@hient.co.uk.