Develop new products, processes and services

Whether you're developing a new product, improving an existing process or exploring new technologies, we can help you find the right support. From expert advice and funding to events and practical support, we can help you take the next step.

How we can help

Turn ideas into action

Explore programmes, funding and specialist support to help you develop ideas, adopt new technology and find better ways of working.

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HIE Innovation Programme

Access to advice, expertise, workshops and funding to help organisations develop new products and services, improve processes and explore new opportunities.

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Technology Kickstart Grant

Funding of up to £10,000 is available to help organisations research, test and develop early-stage digital or technology-led products, services and processes.

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Techscaler

A programme providing tailored support, expertise, community and resources to help tech start-ups and entrepreneurs develop, launch and grow their business.

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Technology Development Grant

Access funding of up to £15,000 to help develop and implement technology solutions within your organisation. The grant can support projects that improve products, services, processes or digital capabilities, helping businesses innovate, improve performance and create new opportunities for growth.

More ways we can help

Take your ideas further

Explore additional funding, digital advice and manufacturing expertise to help assess opportunities, adopt technology and develop or improve products and processes.

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HIE Digital Specialist Advice Grant

Funding of up to £5,000 is available to help organisations access specialist digital expertise and explore opportunities to adopt technology, improve productivity and solve business challenges.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mentoring Programme 2026/27

Get personalised mentoring to explore how artificial intelligence could benefit your organisation, identify opportunities and develop a clear plan for adoption.

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Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant

Access up to £5,000 to help cover the cost of specialist technology advice and mentoring. Get independent expertise to explore digital and technology opportunities, improve business performance, develop new products or services, and make informed decisions about technology investments.

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Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)

A Scotland-wide service delivered by Scottish Enterprise, providing expert support to help manufacturers reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen operational performance.

Events

What's on

Explore upcoming events and webinars designed to help you develop new products, processes and services.

05/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Shetland

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm
05/11/2026

Idea to impact - Shetland

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick Time: 02:00pm - 04:00pm
10/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Oban

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science), Dunbeg Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm
10/11/2026

Idea to impact - Bute

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: Bute Yard, Rothsay Time: 12:00pm - 02:00pm
12/11/2026

Idea to impact - Mull

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: An Tobar, Tobermory Time: 12:00pm - 02:00pm
17/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Fort William

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: The Nevis Centre, Fort William Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm
17/11/2026

Idea to impact - Fort William

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: The Nevis Centre, Fort William Time: 06:00pm - 08:00pm
02/12/2026

Idea to impact - Thurso

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: The Park Hotel, Thurso Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
SUCCESS STORIES

Organisations we've supported

Discover how organisations across the Highlands and Islands have turned ideas into action with HIE's support. From developing new products and services to adopting new technology, explore real stories and the impact they've made.

FIND THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

Explore related support

You may also be interested in support to improve productivity, build skills, grow sales, become more resilient or strengthen your community.

SUPPORT

Improve productivity and performance

Access expert advice, funding and practical support to improve efficiency, adopt technology and strengthen business performance.

Support

Reach new markets and grow sales

Access advice, expertise and support to find new customers, enter new markets and grow sales.

Support

Become greener and more resilient

Find funding, advice and practical support to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and build resilience for the future.

Support

Build leadership, skills and a stronger workplace

Access leadership development, workforce support and practical resources to build skills, strengthen teams and create a more effective workplace.

Support

Strengthen your community

Find funding, advice and practical support to develop community projects, grow local assets and create lasting benefits for people within your community.

Support FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about developing new products, services and processes, and the support available to help you succeed.

No. Support is available whether you're still exploring an idea, testing feasibility or ready to develop a new product, service or process. Getting support early can help you assess opportunities, identify risks and make informed decisions about your next steps.

Innovation isn't just about inventing something completely new. It can include developing new products or services, improving processes, adopting technology, creating new business models or finding better ways to meet customer needs.

Support isn't only for brand-new ideas. Many organisations use innovation and digital support to improve existing products, services and processes, helping them remain competitive and respond to changing customer needs.

Yes. We have support available to help you explore opportunities, assess feasibility, develop prototypes, test concepts and gather feedback before making a larger investment.

Support is available to help organisations adopt digital technologies, improve efficiency through automation, explore artificial intelligence, make better use of data, enhance customer experiences and develop new digital products, services and business models. Whether you're just getting started or looking to build on existing capabilities, we can help you take the next step.

No. Digital support is available to organisations at different stages of digital adoption. Whether you're exploring a new idea, looking to improve existing systems or considering new technologies, specialist guidance can help you make informed decisions.

Specialist advice and guidance can help you understand the options available, assess potential benefits and identify the most suitable approach for your organisation.

Yes. We can help organisations explore technologies such as digital tools, automation and artificial intelligence, identify practical opportunities and understand how they could support business goals.

Yes. You don't need technical expertise or a clear Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy to get started. Support is available to help you understand where artificial intelligence could add value, identify practical opportunities and assess potential risks. We can help you explore AI in a responsible and trustworthy way, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

No. Innovation can happen in organisations of all sizes and sectors. Support is available for businesses, social enterprises and community organisations looking to develop new ideas, improve existing activities or explore new opportunities.

Yes, subject to eligibility criteria. Some support includes funding to help organisations explore ideas, develop new products and services, adopt digital technologies or test new approaches. Other forms of support focus on advice, specialist expertise, mentoring, workshops, networking and practical guidance. The most appropriate support will depend on your project, objectives and stage of development.

That's perfectly normal. Many organisations know they want to develop an idea or improve what they do but aren't sure how to proceed. We can help you explore your options, identify opportunities and find the support that's right for you.

GET IN TOUCH

Not found what you’re looking for?

If you’re not sure what support is right for you, or can’t find what you need, get in touch with our team and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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