The Food and Drink TechHUB programme offers tailored support to help local food and drink producers and supply chain businesses to grow.

It provides business support, technical advice, and events for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Highland Council area. It is particularly useful if you're looking to adopt new technology to increase your business's productivity and cut carbon emissions.

The programme can help you to:

• build skills
• streamline your processes
• boost your output
• cut costs
• reduce your carbon footprint

You'll get access to:

• Net Zero (a year-long programme to help you move toward net zero emissions)
• the TechHUB network, which offers:
  • online and in-person events
  • immersive learning journeys
  • hands-on workshops
  • peer-to-peer support 
• free, one-to-one advice from an expert to help you discover tech solutions that match your needs
• financial support to help you:
  • develop new products
  • streamline your processes
  • increase production
  • give your workforce the training they need to make the most of new innovations and integrate them into your business

Yes, if you're one of the following:

• a food or drink producer
• a food or drink supply chain business
• someone with plans to set up a new food or drink-related business

Your business must be:

• located in the Highland Council area
• classed as a small to medium-sized enterprise

To receive funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), you must meet their conditions for fair work. Full details are available on the HIE website.

There are additional eligibility criteria for some parts of the support. You'll receive these details after you apply if appropriate.

The costs will vary depending on the support you receive. Most services offered through the programme are free, except for the Net Zero programme, which costs £250 for each participant.

If you receive a grant from HIE as part of this support, you'll need to be able to pay for all project costs upfront. You can then submit a claim afterward to receive your grant.

Food and drink producers and supply chain businesses in the Highland Council region, or those who plan to set up a new food and drink-related business.

Your initial enquiry will be assessed within 10 working days. Then you'll be directed to the appropriate support.

To apply, you'll need to complete an application form on the MyHIE portal. You'll hear the outcome of your application within 5 working days.

During the support period, you'll have to commit to a specific number of hours. The exact time commitment will vary depending on the type of support you receive.

The TechHUB programme will run on a continuous basis until February 2026.

To take part in the Net Zero programme, you must apply by 31 January 2025.

If you're receiving technical advice as part of your support, you must complete the relevant project by December 2025.

To qualify for a grant, you'll need to have received all paid-for advice by July 2025. 

You must submit your grant application by August 2025. You'll need to finish the relevant project and submit your expense claim by February 2026.

Any expert advice you receive as part of this support will be provided by external contractors. They'll send you a letter to explain what's involved.

The TechHUB programme will run on a continuous basis until February 2026.

To take part in the Net Zero programme, you must apply by 31 January 2025.

If you're receiving technical advice as part of your support, you must complete the relevant project by December 2025.

To qualify for a grant, you'll need to have received all paid-for advice by July 2025.

You must submit your grant application by August 2025. You'll need to finish the relevant project and submit your expense claim by February 2026.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to submit an enquiry.