Innovation Support Programme Opens to Scottish Island Enterprises

Enterprises in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides can apply for support through the TalEntEd Innovation and Commercialisation project. The initiative is part of the TalEntEd Islands Programme, which is funded by the Scottish and UK Governments through the Islands Growth Deal.

The project offers financial, academic and business development support to help organisations progress innovative products, services or processes towards adoption. Businesses and third sector organisations are eligible to apply.

Participants receive an integrated support package that includes one of two levels of grant funding. The £5,000 ‘Develop’ award is aimed at early-stage feasibility work and scoping studies, typically lasting up to three months. The £25,000 ‘Adopt’ award supports early-stage pilots or prototypes, usually lasting around six months.

In addition to funding, applicants will receive expert guidance from an Innovation Development Manager, collaboration with university academics and access to networks across Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.