A new digital and technology support programme will help around 100 entrepreneurs and organisations across the Highlands and Islands.

The one-year Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE) programme will support startups and small organisations to develop new digital and technology products, processes and services.

Participants will receive expert advice, mentoring and funding through the programme, helping to drive innovation, business growth and job creation across the region.

Tailored support will help turn innovative ideas into commercial opportunities, strengthen entrepreneurial skills and accelerate the growth of digital and technology-led organisations across the region.

The programme, led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered in collaboration with telecoms giant BT, will offer a range of events, mentoring, networking opportunities and grant funding.

It is designed to help rural and island locations with specific regional challenges which include accessing specialist expertise, investment and technical support.

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.  
 
“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 BTto help unlock the region’s entrepreneurial potential.” 

The support includes entrepreneurial mentoring and advice, grant funding for digital and technology projects and ‘Kickstart’ grants. 

The programme aims to build skills, confidence and innovation capacity, strengthen the pipeline of emerging digital and technology businesses in the region, and create new opportunities for growth and jobs. 

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. 

It sits alongside the rollout of new gigabit-capable broadband delivered by Openreach as part of Project Gigabit, the government’s programme to bring fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas.