Pathfinder Accelerator

Support provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise Scottish Government ERDF HIE - City Region Deal - NOT ONBOARDED Northern Innovation Hub

What does this involve?

Pathfinder Accelerator is a support programme that helps to speed up the development of new products, services or start-up ventures. It is designed for organisations active in life sciences, technology, engineering, IT, animal health, aquaculture and healthcare.

The focus of the programme is to deliver rapid, practical results for ambitious businesses with new ideas. Participants are taught and coached by a team of leading experts from the worlds of innovation, product development, finance and business strategy.

Participants will also pitch to angel investors and receive one-to-one coaching to rapidly de-risk and commercialise their ideas.

After completion, participants become members of the Pathfinder alumni network and will receive a monthly bulletin and invitations to roundtable events with expert speakers.

Am I eligible?

Pathfinder is open to any type of organisation which is based in the Highland Council area. These can include existing businesses, social enterprises, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

There are also limited places available for organisations from the rest of the Highlands and Islands (Argyll, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles).

The programme is designed for organisations active in life sciences, technology, engineering, IT, animal health, aquaculture and healthcare.

What does this cost?

This is a free service.

Who is this for?

Existing businesses, social enterprises, entrepreneurs and start-ups who have ambitions to grow by developing new products, services or business models.

The programme is designed for organisations active in life sciences, technology, engineering, IT, animal health, aquaculture and healthcare.

How long does this take?

The 6-month programme consists of 2 phases:

  • the first 12 weeks include weekly online group sessions (3 hours each) alongside self-study, e-learning, and biweekly one-to-one coaching
  • the next 12 weeks include biweekly group coaching, alternated with biweekly expert speaker roundtables

Next steps

Support provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise Scottish Government ERDF HIE - City Region Deal - NOT ONBOARDED Northern Innovation Hub

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