Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland can apply for a voucher worth between £500 and £1,500 to help them cover the cost of exploring and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

You can use the voucher to help cover the cost of:

• getting guidance from experts
• conducting feasibility studies
• testing AI solutions for your business
• integrating AI into your business
• exploring how to use AI in an ethical, trustworthy and inclusive way in your business

You may also be able to use the voucher to cover the cost of travel and accommodation in Scotland for events delivered as part of the National AI Adoption Programme. This will be agreed with your adviser on a case-by-case basis. 

To apply, you'll need to submit an outline of your project with its associated costs and proposed impacts. 

The deadline to apply is midday on Friday 24 October 2025. 

The AI Exploration Voucher scheme is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Yes, if you are based in the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). This includes:

• Argyll and Bute (except for the Helensburgh and Lomond area)
• Caithness and Sutherland
• the Inner Moray Firth (including Inverness)
• the Outer Hebrides
• Moray
• Orkney
• Shetland
• Lochaber
• Skye and Wester Ross
• Arran and the Cumbraes

You're not eligible if your business or social enterprise:

• primarily operates in the retail, food and beverage service or personal services sector (for example, shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, and alternative therapists)
• primarily operates in the business services sector (for example, lawyers, accountants, consultants, and training agencies)
• is primarily funded by the public sector
• is a religious or political organisation

Accommodation businesses that operate from your own home (for example, as a B&B or AirBnB) are also not eligible.

It is free to apply.

The vouchers are worth between £500 and £1,500. You'll have to cover any additional costs above this amount through other sources.

Business and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.

The deadline to apply is midday on Friday 24 October 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 4 November 2025.

All projects and claims must be complete by Thursday 12 March 2026.

You'll need to include an outline of your project with its associated costs and proposed impacts with your application.

Making an enquiry does not guarantee that your application will be successful. 

All support is subject to budget availability. 

All HIE assistance is discretionary. There is no appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to apply.