This grant is only available to businesses that currently work with Scottish Enterprise through their dedicated account management and specialist teams.

It allows businesses to bring in expert help for artificial intelligence (AI) projects, especially if you're facing challenges like high costs, lack of leadership support, limited staff skills, or company culture that’s not ready for change.

You can use the funding to work with consultants or hire temporary staff to help you get started with new AI technologies.

By working with these experts, your business will learn to:

• identify ways that AI could improve your innovation, efficiency and sustainability
• assess the impact of introducing new AI-based workplace practices
• understand the potential impact of new products, services and processes that come about through AI technologies
• identify and analyse the potential impact of future capital expenditure and investment on AI technologies
• assess how using AI could create opportunities to enter new markets

Your project must focus on one or more of Scottish Enterprise's priority areas, or missions. This means each project should help to (at least one of the following):

• create an internationally competitive energy transition industry in Scotland
• improve innovation in future high-growth industries in Scotland
• increase capital investment to improve Scotland’s productivity

You're eligible if your company:

• is supported through Scottish Enterprise's account management or specialist support services 
• ideally has more than 10 employees 
• is based in an area of Scotland served by Scottish Enterprise – that is, Aberdeen City and Shire, the east of Scotland, Tayside and the west of Scotland

The grant will cover up to 50% of your eligible costs. Eligible costs include the hiring of:

• consultants (not on your payroll)
• temporary specialists (on your payroll, but cannot include existing staff)
• graduate placements (on your payroll)

There is no cost to apply.

Grant amounts range from £5,000 to £25,000 and will cover up to 50% of your eligible costs. You'll need to cover the remaining costs through other sources.

You'll also need to pay for all costs upfront, then submit a claim for your eligible costs by an agreed date to receive your grant.

This support will count towards your minimal financial assistance (MFA) allowance.

Companies that currently work with the Scottish Enterprise account management or specialist support services. 

This funding is only available during the current financial year.

Your project must be completed in full by 31 March 2026, and all costs paid for by that date. Your final claim should be submitted by 30 April 2026.

Your appointed Scottish Enterprise account manager or specialist adviser will explain the process in more detail once your eligibility has been confirmed.

Please provide a short description of your project to your appointed Scottish Enterprise account manager or specialist adviser so they can assess your eligibility. 

If your adviser feels your project meets the eligibility criteria, you'll be encouraged to apply.

Submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.