Businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands are being supported to explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) through two new support initiatives launched today by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of AI Scotland.
Applications are now open for the new AI Adoption Programme and AI Mentoring Support service, which are designed to help organisations understand, assess and implement AI technologies that can improve productivity, boost innovation and support growth.
Up to 15 places are available on the intensive AI Adoption Programme, while 40 organisations can benefit from the AI Mentoring Support service.
AI has the potential to transform how organisations operate, from automating routine tasks and improving customer services to enhancing decision making and creating new opportunities for products and services.
The AI Adoption Programme will guide businesses looking to take practical steps towards introducing AI into their operations. It will be delivered through a series of practical workshops running to January 2027, beginning with an in-person event at HIE's An Lòchran office in Inverness on 29 October 2026. Participants will gain practical knowledge, tools and guidance to help them identify where AI could add value within their organisations.
The AI Mentoring Support service will provide tailored one-to-one guidance through an online session with an AI specialist, helping organisations explore the potential of AI, identify practical opportunities for adoption and develop approaches that support their goals and ambitions.
Together, the initiatives aim to ensure businesses and social enterprises throughout the region can benefit from AI, regardless of their size, sector or previous experience with the technology.
HIE's team leader for digital economy, Theresa Swayne, said:
"Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for organisations of all sizes.Whether businesses are taking their first steps in understanding AI or are ready to begin implementing solutions, the AI Scotland Adoption Programme is designed to help them do so with confidence.
"We want businesses across the region to understand how AI can support innovation, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness. Just as importantly, we want organisations to understand the risks associated with AI and how to use technologies in a responsible, ethical and inclusive way. These programmes will provide practical support to help achieve that."
Businesses interested in finding out more about the digital and technology support available can visit HIE's website.
AI Scotland is a national initiative supported by the Scottish Government to help businesses and organisations understand, adopt and benefit from artificial intelligence.
The initiative is delivered by the Scottish Government in partnership with The Data Lab, Scottish Enterprise, HIE, Business Gateway and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Applications for the new AI Adoption Programme close on Tuesday 6 October 2026 and for the AI Mentoring Support service, it will close on when all mentoring places are filled and/or by Tuesday 16 February 2027.
In addition, a series of Rural AI Roadshows will take place across the region to help organisations learn more about the opportunites and challenges of AI.
The first events will take place in Shetland (5 November), Oban (10 November) and Fort William (17 November) with further locations to be announced.