HIE support

R&D funding

HIE R&D grant funding

HIE’s Research and Development (R&D) grant funding can help you develop new products, processes and services. This funding is discretionary, meaning we will assess each project to determine the level of funding available. Businesses of any size are eligible to apply.

We will consider grant support to R&D projects where:

  • Primary and secondary market research indicates a clear market need for the end product/process and a market beyond the Highlands and Islands.
  • A route to market has been mapped out and there is a strong business case for investing in developing the product/process.
  • A strategy for protecting and exploiting the intellectual property generated has been developed.
  • You can quantify the impact the new product/process will have on your business.
  • There is a clearly identified funding shortfall which cannot be met by the company or raised privately.
  • It can be demonstrated that funding from HIE would result in benefits to the Highlands and Islands economy.

The small print - this is important

  • This funding is discretionary and all sizes of businesses are eligible.
  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can match fund a significant part of the project.
  • Applicants must comply with HIE’s fair work conditions for grant support. For more information, please visit our fair work page. If you would like to speak to someone about the fair work requirement or need more information, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk.

How to apply

Please complete our short online for to enquire about our innovation and R&D support.

Innovation and R&D application form

Fair work conditions for financial support

Any organisation applying for grant funding from HIE must comply with our fair work conditions for financial support. This includes: 

  • Paying all employees, aged 16 years and above (including apprentices), the Real Living Wage (currently £12.60 per hour) as a minimum.
    If you cannot meet this criterion, please contact us before you apply for funding, email enquiries@hient.co.uk
  • Having a flexible working policy.
  • The ability to demonstrate how you support workforce development and foster employee engagement.

If you would like to speak to someone about our fair work requirements for funding or need more information, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk

Glycomar forms part of the thriving marine science community in Argyll

Help to access other R&D funds

Scotland and the UK have a very supportive network of funders for business R&D. Our team of innovation specialists are here to help develop your project from idea to commercialisation and identify the most appropriate sources of funding. The service includes guidance on preparing applications for a range of schemes, including SMART: SCOTLAND and Innovate UK, as well as sector-specific funds.

We can also facilitate introductions to potential collaborators in academia, through Interface, Scottish Innovation Centres and the UK Catapult network.

If you have a project ready or would like to talk to someone about R&D funding, please contact us.

Related support

Have a look at our other support programmes.

Browse all support services

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

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.

Food and Drink TechHUB

Helping food and drink producers and supply chain businesses in the Highland Council area with access to expert advice, funding, events and networking opportunities.

Young Business Capital Grant

The Young Business Capital Grant provides funding of between £10,000 and £75,000 to organisations trading less than five years.

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