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.