Young entrepreneurs and startups across Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are set to benefit from a £1.3 million programme to develop and grow their innovative ideas.

The TalEntEd Islands ‘Innovation & Commercialisation’ project, delivered by Heriot-Watt University, will focus on supporting enterprises to develop new products and services to strengthen local economies, bring lasting benefits to island communities, and help the islands to be among the first places in the UK to achieve net zero.

This project is part of the wider TalEntEd Islands Programme, delivered in collaboration with the University of the Highlands & Islands, which leads on the development of work-based learning, as well as Robert Gordon University, which will lead on the growth of entrepreneurship.

The programme aims to support the creation of sustainable green jobs across all three island groups, attracting new people to move to the islands and meeting a crucial demographic challenge spurred by the outmigration of younger people.

“The transition to net zero isn’t just an environmental imperative; it’s a huge economic opportunity, and island communities are perfectly positioned to lead the way in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable materials and circular economy practices,” said Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt.

“Our role is to help accelerate that journey by connecting entrepreneurs with world-class academic expertise, practical business support and the wider innovation ecosystem.”

The programme offers two levels of potential funding for those taking part. The first, dubbed Develop Awards, are worth £5,000 for early-stage scoping studies, feasibility assessments and initial business planning, usually over a term of three months.

The second level, Adopt Awards, are worth £25,000 and aimed at early-stage pilots or prototypes designed to demonstrate value and create a pathway for future investment, typically over a period of six months.

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Alongside financial support, applicants will also benefit from collaboration with academics from Heriot-Watt University, UHI and Robert Gordon University, as well as dedicated support from an innovation development manager, and connections to Scotland’s wider innovation ecosystem, which could offer additional sources of funding.

To take part, those based on the islands with emerging or well-developed ideas are asked to get in touch with the team to make sure this support is the right fit. 

“Islanders and island communities have innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity running through their veins,” said Heather Woodbridge, leader of Orkney Islands Council.

“The TalEntEd programme, funded by the Islands Deal, could take those plans that bubble away inside folk and inside existing businesses from idea through to reality, bringing much-needed investment and growth to our island groups.”