Regional EDGE returns with £400k funding for 20 businesses.

Regional EDGE reopens with £400,000 of Scottish Government funding to support 20 businesses across four regions, with applications open from 14 January to 11 February 2026.

Regional EDGE has returned for a second year with £400,000 of Scottish Government backing to broaden opportunities for entrepreneurs outside Scotland's central belt. The programme targets start-ups in Tayside, the North East, the Highlands and Islands, and the South of Scotland. Applications open at 9:00am on 14 January 2026 and close at 2:00pm on 11 February 2026, with a virtual application workshop planned for 20 January. Winners will receive funding and access to the EDGE alumni network and business mentorship. Key details: - The competition is backed by £400,000 from the Scottish Government and will support businesses in four regions. - Each region will host a final and select five winners, making 20 winners in total; regional awards are one £50,000, two £15,000, and two £10,000 prizes. - Regional delivery partners include Opportunity North East, Elevator and GrowBiz (Tayside), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). - Applications open at 9:00am on 14 January 2026 and close at 2:00pm on 11 February 2026; a virtual application workshop is scheduled for 20 January. - Live pitching finals and awards will take place in each region between 12 and 26 March 2026. - Scottish EDGE has previously awarded over £30 million to 739 recipients, with past Regional EDGE winners including MedAscend, InGlaze, Bookr, and Rescue Winch. Summary: The return of Regional EDGE provides targeted funding and mentoring opportunities for start-ups in parts of Scotland with lower historical engagement in the programme. The competition timeline runs from applications in January–February to regional finals between 12 and 26 March 2026, with regional partners managing local delivery and selecting winners.