Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and BT have launched a one-year Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE) programme to support around 100 entrepreneurs and organisations across the region.
The programme, launched on Friday 21 August 2026, will support start-ups and small organisations to develop new digital and technology products, processes and services. Participants will receive expert advice, mentoring and funding.
What the programme offers
According to the announcement, the programme has been designed to help overcome barriers faced by rural and island businesses in accessing specialist expertise, investment and technical support, “through a mix of events, mentoring, networking opportunities and grant funding”.
The support includes entrepreneurial mentoring and advice, grant funding for digital and technology projects, and Kickstart grants. HIE’s own grant pages set out three named streams:
- Technology Kickstart Grant — up to £10,000 (minimum application £2,000), open to entrepreneurs, founders, start-ups and small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees in the HIE region, to develop an early-stage minimum viable product, process or service. Applications close in May 2027.
- Technology Development Grant — £10,000 to £25,000.
- Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant — up to £5,000.
Roadshow with Techscaler
To support the rollout, HIE is collaborating with Techscaler, the Scottish Government initiative delivered by CodeBase, on a series of regional events across the Highlands and Islands.
The joint roadshow will raise awareness of the funding and specialist advice available through the DaTE programme, while connecting local entrepreneurs with Techscaler’s national network of founder education, mentorship, investor connectivity and peer support.
BT framing
The initiative forms part of BT’s “purpose to Connect for Good” and its commitment to helping communities develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. The announcement states that DaTE sits alongside the rollout of new gigabit-capable broadband delivered by Openreach as part of Project Gigabit, the government programme to bring fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas.
Quotes
Theresa Swayne, HIE’s team leader for digital economy:
“Digital and technology business founders, and creators of new tech ideas and products, have a vital role to play in the future prosperity of the Highlands and Islands economy. We want to ensure that great ideas can flourish wherever they emerge, from our towns to our most rural and island locations.
“This programme will give entrepreneurs access to the skills, expertise and funding they need to innovate, grow and bring new products and services to market. We’re delighted to be working with BT to help unlock the region’s entrepreneurial potential.”
Richard Marsh, BT Responsible Business Director:
“Digital technology is creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the UK, but talent and ambition exist in every community, not just our largest cities. As we continue to invest in the connectivity that underpins modern life, we’re also committed to helping people and businesses make the most of the opportunities that technology creates.
“This programme will help entrepreneurs across the Highlands and Islands access the skills, networks and support they need to grow. Through BT’s ambition to support 30 million people, businesses and families with digital skills, tools and support by 2030, we’re helping ensure that the benefits of technology and economic growth can be felt in every postcode of the UK.”
Stephen Flynn, Economy Secretary:
“Geography should never be a barrier to turning ideas and invention into economic success. Scotland’s future prosperity depends on us unlocking innovation in every part of the country and The Highlands and Islands has entrepreneurial talent and ambition in abundance.
“By supporting entrepreneurs to develop new products, attract investment and build businesses rooted in their communities, this programme is an important step in unlocking even more of the region’s economic potential.”
How to apply
Further information on the DaTE programme, eligibility and applications is available via HIE’s digital support pages.
