INNOVATION IS A VITAL PIECE FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

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What is innovation?

Innovation is something every business can be part of. In its simplest form, it’s about improvement. It could be as unassuming as a change to internal systems, or as grand as the large-scale development of a new product or business direction.

Why should businesses innovate?

Research tells us that innovative companies grow faster and more profitably than others. When you innovate, you are adapting your business to the changing needs of markets and consumers. This keeps you one step ahead of the competition and makes the business more likely to succeed. 

Businesses that foster a culture of openness and innovation inspire employees to contribute towards business improvement and idea generation. This helps employees feel more engaged and happier at work, making them more productive as a result. Increased productivity leads to increased profits and at a faster rate.

The Highlands and Islands region is full of small to medium-sized businesses. At HIE we know that supporting SMEs to bring innovation into their business practice will benefit the whole economy in the long-term, so we’re here to help.

However you implement it, innovation makes your business stronger, more profitable and better equipped for whatever challenges it faces - so you can work on growing your with confidence.

The Highlands and Islands are alive with new ideas

From medical devices to climate tech, seaweed innovation to sustainable land use, meet just a few of the businesses shaping our future.

Pharmaq For HIE Collab Video

Innovation in the life sciences sector

Meet a few of the people, businesses and ideas driving life sciences innovation across our region. From seaweed processing, tech development, to human and animal health, medical services and cutting-edge product development – we have it all.

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Rethink Carbon Image

Rethink Carbon

Rethinking the future of land use with powerful digital tools that make sustainable decisions simpler, smarter and faster for landowners, managers, investors and communities. We’re proud that as a former participant in our Pathfinder programme they’ve created a Highland base in Aviemore.

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Glucorx For Video

GlucoRx

This Dingwall business develop life-changing medical devices, including world-first technology for glucose and ketone monitoring. Their team has it all – experienced scientists and engineers, and high calibre graduates bringing latest skills.

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Female founders in our region

Meet Linda Shore and MEG (Menopause Experience Guide) her AI powered digital holistic tool.

Ethnologic and the creation of MEG
Ri Cruden Workshop

RiCruden

The business has developed a new workshop with space saving vertical carousel, a robot welding machine and more - boosting efficiency, cutting carbon, and creating a safer space to train the next generation of workers.

With around a third of their workforce made up of apprentices, Ri Cruden is showing how skills and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Ri Cruden

How we can help you

Find out more about our innovation support.

HIE's Innovation Service

HIE's innovation service can provide you with expert advice and funding to help you get your ideas off the ground.

R&D funding

We have R&D funding available for businesses of all sizes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Northern Innovation Hub

Wide range of business support and funding, including business development, events, training and one-to-one workshops.

Browse all support services

We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of support services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.

Innovate UK

Innovate UK supports UK-based businesses to invest in research, development and innovation through grant funding, loans or procurements. Browse and apply for funding

Hear from recent participants about the Ideas for Growth Innovation Masterclass

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES INNOVATE?

Research tells us that innovative companies grow faster and more profitably than others. When you innovate, you are adapting your business to the changing needs of markets and consumers. This keeps you one step ahead of the competition and makes the business more likely to succeed.

Businesses that foster a culture of openness and innovation inspire employees to contribute towards business improvement and idea generation. This helps employees feel more engaged and happier at work - making them more productive as a result. Increased productivity leads to increased profits and a faster rate.

However you implement it, innovation makes your business stronger, more profitable and better equipped for whatever challenges it faces.

HOW CAN MY BUSINESS BEGIN TO INNOVATE?

We can work with you to identify areas of operation where innovation can help you stay ahead of your competition, improve productivity, or help you reach new customers. This could be with a new product, a new process or a new business model.

Have a look at our video and hear first hand about how our Ideas for Growth Innovation Masterclass benefits local businesses to develop and grow. 

Innovation in practice

Hear from some of the businesses we've worked with on innovation projects.

Seadyes

Seadyes Limited is an emerging biotech company bringing innovation to the fashion and textile industries through sustainable, seaweed-derived pigments.

Eileen Gatt

Eileen Gatt is a skilled jeweller and silversmith, who turned a former post office in the Black Isle into her studio where she creates beautiful jewellery

Gro for Good

Find out more about aquaponics and how Gro for Good benefited from HIE innovation support in developing its local, nutritional food production.

CRÙBAG

HIE supports Argyll-based business Crùbag through its innovation service.

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