Scottish Enterprise Research and Development Grants

Scotland’s discretionary R&D grant for companies developing new or significantly improved products, processes or services, with priority given to energy transition, life sciences, quantum, space and fintech, plus capital investment for productivity. The minimum grant is GBP 250K and Scottish Enterprise looks for at least GBP 1M of company project spend, with intervention rates of 35 to 50 percent of eligible costs for SMEs and 25 to 40 percent for large companies, and slightly higher rates possible for consortia of two to six companies. Eligibility requires a business based in or relocating to Scottish Enterprise territory: sole traders and charities are excluded, firms in the Highlands and Islands or South of Scotland must apply to their own enterprise agency, and applicants must meet Fair Work conditions and hold a credible net zero by 2045 plan. Applications are rolling with no deadline, progressing from an enquiry form through appraisal meeting, full application and due diligence, and work must not start before the grant is awarded.