The Technology Kickstart Grant offers grants between £2,000 to £10,000 to help people and smaller enterprises in the Highlands and Islands develop and test new digital or technology ideas. 

It can help with early research and development, such as creating a first working version of a product, service or process and testing whether there is customer interest.

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 new digital or technology-led ideas. 

This could include: 

• software
• data
• artificial intelligence 
• robotics
• digital platforms
• other technology-based products, services or business processes

The grant can help you:

• gather evidence 
• test customer demand 
• reduce the risk of developing your idea
• move your idea closer to launch or business growth

Funding can't be used for:

• projects previously funded by HIE
• salary costs
• materials
• 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. 

A business may be eligible if it:

• is based in the Highlands and Islands
• has fewer than 50 employees
• is developing a new product, service or business process where technology is central
• has the potential to deliver significant economic impact
• has a committed person or team leading the project, with the experience or support needed to make progress
• has completed preliminary customer or market research and gathered insights
• has ambitions to operate in a growing market, supported by a credible plan
• has a realistic plan for how the project and future business growth will be funded

The business should also be able to:

• clearly explain the problem the idea solves, who it is for and why customers may choose it
• demonstrate early customer or market interest, for example through customer conversations, letters of interest, pilot discussions, feedback from potential users or early sales enquiries
• show that the idea is new or significantly improved, and may include valuable know-how, designs, software, data, intellectual property or other protected business assets
• provide evidence that it is working towards net zero emissions
• demonstrate that it is a Fair Work employer

It is free to apply for a grant. 

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

You will need to be able to pay for project costs upfront and submit a claim afterward 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 there are available funds. 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 awards must be claimed by 2 August 2027.

You will be expected to make a financial contribution to your project costs.

You will need to choose and commission your own suppliers. When you apply, you will need to provide an outline brief for the work, evidence of at least three quotes from potential contractors, and a reason for your preferred supplier.

All work must be completed before claiming the grant. HIE will not pay grant claims in advance. If a business credit card is used to pay a supplier, this must be stated at application stage, and the credit card must be paid before the claim is made.

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

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