Funding is available to help businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands area start using advanced digital technologies to improve their business processes.

You can use the grant to help pay for the purchase and installation of technologies that involve:

• robots, robotics, and/or collaborative robots
• sensors
• the Internet of Things (IoT)
• data innovation
• artificial intelligence
• cyber security
• software development
• augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or 3D visualisations
• additive manufacturing and laser machining
• cyber security solutions

You may also be able to use the grant to fund projects that have an element of deep tech, such as:

• blockchain
• photonics
• aerospace and space technologies
• electronics
• cyber threat intelligence
• quantum computing

The funding cannot be used for:

• projects that have previously been funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
• the salary costs of employees on payroll
• placements
• legal costs

Travel and accommodation costs are generally not eligible, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on your location.

All grants are discretionary. There is no maximum or minimum amount you can apply for.

All grant awards depend on budget availability, and will be made only after a due diligence check is performed.

The due diligence check will involve an assessment of:

• your need for public funding
• the ongoing viability of your business
• your ability to deliver the project
• the project's impact on the economy
• the strength of your business case

The Digital and Technology Adoption Capital Grant is part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Digital and Technology Adoption Programme 2025 to 2030.

Yes, if you're 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:

• is in or works with businesses in the defence sector
• primarily operates in the retail, food and beverage service or personal services sectors (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.

To receive funding from HIE, you must meet their conditions for fair work. Full details are available on the HIE website.

It is free to apply. There may be additional costs associated with your chosen technology that are not covered by the grant.

You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront, then claim it back afterwards through the grant.

Businesses and social enterprise based in the Highlands and Islands area of Scotland. 

You can enquire about or apply to the fund through the HIE website until midnight on 31 March 2029.

HIE will respond to enquiries within 10 working days. If your project is not eligible, you'll also receive a response within 10 working days. 

The deadline to submit all claims is midnight on 31 March 2030.

You can choose your own supplier for the technology you plan to implement. When you apply, you'll need to provide a copy of your brief for the proposed work or project, plus evidence that you've gathered at least 3 quotes from potential suppliers.

All enquiries and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Visit the HIE website for more information and to submit an enquiry.