The Technology Development Grant offers between £10,000 and £25,000 to help start-ups and smaller businesses in the Highlands and Islands research, develop and test new digital or technology products, processes or services. 

It can help you check whether your idea works, understand customer demand and take the next step toward selling or using it in your business.

Delivered through Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s (HIE’S) Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship Programme (DaTE) in partnership with British Telecom (BT), the funding can be used to explore, develop and test digital or technology ideas. 

This could include creating an early version of a product, testing it with customers, checking technical risks, or gathering evidence to help decide whether the idea is ready for further investment or growth.

Funding can't be used for:

• projects previously funded by HIE
• salary costs
• placements
• legal costs

Travel and accommodation are generally excluded from eligible costs, but may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on your location.

Grants will cover a proportion of eligible project costs. You will need to fund the remaining balance. You'll need to cover the costs upfront.

You will need to find up to 3 eligible consultants or mentors to support your project and will need to commission a supplier of your own.

Applications will close at 11:59pm on 31 May 2027.

You are eligible if your enterprise:

• is based in the Highlands and Islands
• has less than 50 employees
• has a digital or technology idea where technology is central to the new product, service or business model

You are not eligible if you:

• are not developing a new digital or technology product, process or service
• operate in retail, hospitality, personal services or general business services unless your business is creating a clearly defined new digital or tech venture with growth potential
• are seeking support for routine business advice, business improvements or general digital adoption
• are core funded by the public sector
• are a religious or political organisation

It is free to apply for a grant. 

You will be expected to contribute to your project costs. The level of contribution will be agreed during the application process.

You will need to pay project costs upfront and then submit a claim to receive your grant.

Entrepreneurs, founders, start-ups and small enterprises based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area. 

The scheme will remain open while funds are available. Enquiries for this financial year will close at 11:59pm on 31 May 2027. 

The process from the application deadline to pitch outcomes will take up to 2 months. 

Each proposal is unique, and timing will be discussed once an initial enquiry has been made.

All claims must be paid by the 2 August 2027 at the latest.

Enquiries will close at 11:59pm on 31 May 2027.

You will need to make a financial contribution to your project costs.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and funding is not guaranteed.

Grant awards depend on due diligence and budget availability. HIE will assess the need for public funding, whether the project can be delivered, the likely impact and the strength of the business case.

You will need to choose your own suppliers and provide an outline brief, at least three quotes and a short explanation of your preferred supplier.

All work must be completed before you claim the grant. HIE will not pay grant claims in advance.

Applicants must comply with HIE fair work conditions for financial support.

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