Highlands and Islands Enterprise has launched a one-year programme, delivered in collaboration with BT, to help around 100 entrepreneurs and small organisations across the region turn digital and technology ideas into new products and businesses.
The Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE) programme was announced on 21 August 2026 and will offer expert advice, mentoring, networking opportunities and grant funding through three named awards: a Technology Kickstart Grant, a Technology Development Grant, and a Digital and Technology Start-up Advice Grant (Highlands and Islands Enterprise press release). Regional events will be delivered in collaboration with Techscaler, the Scottish Government initiative run by CodeBase.
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.”
She added: “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, 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.”
