Highlands and Islands Enterprise's (HIE) new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploration Voucher offers funding support of between £500 and £1,500 to businesses and social enterprises in the HIE region looking to explore and adopt AI technologies into their business or social enterprise. 

You can use the voucher to:

• access expert guidance
• conduct feasibility studies
• test AI solutions
• for AI integration including advice, data review, proof-of-concept projects and digital roadmaps
• to explore the ethical, trustworthy and inclusive use of AI within your organisation

The cost of travel and accommodation to AI events delivered in Scotland, as part of the National AI Adoption Programme may be covered. This will be agreed with your advisor on a case-by-case basis. 

You will be asked to include an outline of your project with associated costs and proposed impacts in your application. 

The AI Exploration Voucher will be administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The scheme is open to applications from Tuesday 23 September 2025. The scheme closes to applications at midday on Friday 24 October 2025.  

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 are not eligible if your:

• business or social enterprise primarily operates in the retail, food and beverage service or personal services sector (e.g. shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, alternative therapist)
• business or social enterprise primarily operates in the business services sector (lawyers, accountants, consultants, training agencies)
• accommodation business operates from your own home (e.g. B&B or AirBnB type business)
• business or social enterprise is primarily funded by the public sector
• business or social enterprise is a religious or political organisation

This is a free service.

Business and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.

The fund is open for applications from Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Applications must be received by 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 will be asked to include an outline of your project with associated costs and proposed impacts in 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 and there is no appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website to complete an enquiry form.