Highlands and Islands Enterprise and BT have launched a one-year Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE) programme to support around 100 entrepreneurs and small organisations across the region to develop new digital and technology products, processes and services.
Announced on Friday 21 August 2026, DaTE offers mentoring, networking and grant funding, delivered through three grant streams on HIE’s own digital support pages: a Technology Kickstart Grant of up to £10,000, a Technology Development Grant of £10,000 to £25,000, and a Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant of up to £5,000. HIE is also collaborating with Techscaler — the Scottish Government initiative delivered by CodeBase — on a series of regional roadshow events to plug local founders into Techscaler’s national network of education, mentoring and investor connectivity.
Theresa Swayne, HIE’s team leader for digital economy, said: “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.”
Richard Marsh, BT Responsible Business Director, said: “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.”
Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “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.”
Full details, eligibility and application information are available via HIE’s digital support pages.
