-ai.png)
Scottish Enterprise’s Research and Development (R&D) Grants provide financial support to companies undertaking significant and innovative R&D projects in Scotland.
The programme is designed for businesses developing a new product, process or service, or making a significant improvement to an existing one. Projects can be undertaken independently, with commercial partners or as part of a wider technical collaboration.
Unlike funding competitions built around a narrowly defined technology challenge, the R&D Grant can support innovation across different sectors. However, Scottish Enterprise is prioritising projects that can make a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economic transformation, meaning applicants need to demonstrate both strong innovation and a compelling economic and commercial case.
Key Dates and Funding
Opens: Open for enquiries
Closes: No fixed closing date stated
Funding: Minimum grant considered is £250,000. Scottish Enterprise is looking for projects representing at least £1 million of company spend.
SMEs working independently on eligible innovative projects may receive funding covering between 35% and 50% of eligible project costs.
Large companies working independently may receive between 25% and 40% of eligible project costs.
Consortium projects involving between two and six companies may also be supported and, in certain circumstances, could receive slightly higher funding rates.
What Can the R&D Grant Support?
The programme is intended to support genuinely new and innovative R&D. The proposed project must represent something the applicant company has not done before rather than routine development or incremental updates.
Projects could involve:
Scottish Enterprise is looking for projects capable of improving business competitiveness, stimulating further R&D activity and generating economic benefits for Scotland.
Priority Areas
The R&D Grant supports Scottish Enterprise's wider priorities for economic transformation.
One priority is creating an internationally competitive energy transition industry in Scotland. This includes projects capable of helping Scotland establish leadership in clean energy through investment, stronger supply chains, international growth and faster commercial deployment.
Another priority is turning Scotland's established innovation strengths into high-growth industries of the future. Areas specifically identified include:
Scottish Enterprise is also interested in projects that can stimulate capital investment and productivity, particularly where innovation can contribute to the development of a higher-productivity and higher-wage Scottish economy.
Who Can Apply?
Businesses may be eligible where they are based in Scotland or planning to locate in Scotland within the area served by Scottish Enterprise.
To meet the minimum eligibility requirements, applicants must demonstrate that:
The last point is particularly important. Applicants need to demonstrate that without the grant, the project would either not proceed, would happen more slowly or would have to be undertaken at a significantly reduced scope, negatively affecting the commercial opportunity.
Businesses must also demonstrate that alternative funding options have been explored and explain why Scottish Enterprise support is required.
Fair Work and Net Zero Requirements
Businesses receiving R&D funding must meet Scottish Government expectations relating to Fair Work and net zero.
Requirements include appropriate mechanisms for employee voice, payment of the Real Living Wage to employees aged over 16 including apprentices, workforce development, avoiding inappropriate use of zero-hours contracts and taking action to address gender pay gaps.
Companies are also expected to provide flexible and family-friendly working practices, oppose fire and rehire practices and have a credible plan to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 at the latest.
How to Apply
The process begins with an enquiry rather than a direct full grant application.
Businesses need to download and complete Scottish Enterprise's R&D enquiry form, providing an initial overview of the company and proposed project. The completed form should then be submitted to Scottish Enterprise.
The information will be reviewed and feedback provided. Where the project appears appropriate for the programme, an appraisal specialist may then contact the business to arrange a meeting and guide it through the next stage of the application process.
Businesses located in the Highlands and Islands or South of Scotland are advised to contact their relevant local enterprise agency first for funding advice.
How Inventya Can Help
Scottish Enterprise R&D funding requires applicants to make a strong case that extends beyond the technical merits of the innovation. Businesses need to demonstrate commercial potential, economic impact, additionality, financial viability and alignment with Scotland's strategic priorities.
Inventya can support businesses throughout this process, including:
For businesses planning significant R&D investment in Scotland, early preparation is particularly important because Scottish Enterprise expects applicants to demonstrate that the project requires public support and that work has not already started. Inventya can help businesses establish that case before progressing through the formal appraisal process.
