Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Information last verified: August 2026 · Source: hie.co.uk

Stage

Idea / pre-product, MVP / early product

Location

Scotland

Equity

No equity taken

Cost

Free

Delivery

Hybrid

Any sector

Idea / pre-productMVP / early product

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government's development agency for the Highlands and Islands. Its Pathfinder Accelerator is a six-month programme that fast-tracks Highland life sciences, technology, engineering, IT and healthcare businesses through workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one coaching, delivered via the Northern Innovation Hub. HIE also offers start-up and growth grants and wider business support across the region. Check the HIE website for current programmes and eligibility.

Why this programme

Find customers / partnerships

Links to Highland and Islands Enterprise network of regional businesses and public sector organisations

Build product / validate MVP

Structured incubation with workshops covering business model design, customer discovery and product development

Access to mentors / operators

Local business mentors with Highland and Islands expertise

Raise funding

Access to HIE grant funding for eligible businesses

Community / workspace / ecosystem

Dedicated incubator workspace in the Highlands

Interested in Highlands and Islands Enterprise?

Head to their website for current cohort dates and how to apply.

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