Scottish Enterprise SMART:SCOTLAND Grant

SMART: SCOTLAND

Funds Scottish SMEs conducting high-risk feasibility studies to prove out novel technologies through Scottish Enterprise R&D grants.

Eligibility · Scotland (central/southern — Scottish Enterprise area)

Scottish Enterprise runs the SMART: SCOTLAND grant — a non-dilutive feasibility grant for small and medium-sized businesses based in Scotland. It sits within Scottish Enterprise's broader R&D grants portfolio and is specifically designed for the highest-risk early-stage technology projects that require structured feasibility work before they can proceed to development. The grant is currently on hold and not accepting applications; Scottish Enterprise has indicated it expects to reopen in summer 2026.

Awards cover up to 70% of eligible costs for a small enterprise and up to 60% for a medium enterprise, capped at a maximum of £100,000. Studies must last between 6 and 18 months. There is no stated minimum award. Payment is structured as one third upfront and the remainder in quarterly arrears. The funder does not publish a total pool figure.

Eligible applicants are small or medium-sized businesses (under the European Commission's SME definition), university spin-outs, and individuals who are based in Scotland or planning to set up there. Applicants must own or have rights to use required IP, demonstrate the necessary technical and management expertise, and have secured or have a clear path to private match funding. The project must represent a genuine advance in technology innovation for its industry or sector. The business and the project must both be financially viable. Applicants must also meet Scottish Enterprise's Fair Work and net zero criteria, including paying the Real Living Wage and having a credible plan to reach net zero operational emissions by 2045.

The four-step application process begins with submitting an initial enquiry form. If suitable, applicants are assigned a case officer who guides them through a full application including relevant supporting documents. Scottish Enterprise then conducts due diligence and a worldwide patent search. Successful applicants receive a contract by email; work may only begin after the contract is signed.

The grant prioritises projects in sectors aligned with Scotland's economic transformation agenda: energy transition, space, industrial biotech, life sciences (human health), fintech, and critical technologies including quantum computing, photonics, and semiconductors. Work must have a commercial endpoint — pure academic research without a business application is not in scope.