The Scottish Government's Techscaler programme is committed to supporting Scotland’s growing tech ecosystem, and we’re excited to introduce a powerful funding opportunity that can help tech startups take the next step: the Techscaler Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Small R&D Grant, offered in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise.
If you’re an early-stage tech company with ambitions to innovate and scale, this match funded grant could be a game changer for your research and development (R&D) projects. Here’s what you need to know:
What is the Techscaler MVP Grant?
The Techscaler MVP Grant provides funding for tech startups and scaleups based in Scotland, helping them bring new products, processes, or services to life. This grant, with awards ranging from £5,000 to £50,000, is specifically designed to support R&D activities that can drive innovation in high-growth industries across the nation. To get a better sense of the type of projects relevant for a Scottish Enterprise R&D grant, find out more on their website.
Applications to be considered for the Techscaler MVP grant is open to companies that have been successfully accepted onto the Raise track of the Techscaler Catalyst accelerator. While not all companies who participate in Catalyst will qualify or be selected to continue by Scottish Enterprise, those who do could see their project costs supported up to 45% for smaller companies (with fewer than 50 employees) and 35% for medium-sized enterprises (with 50 to 250 employees).
Why is the Raise track a requirement?
The MVP Grant is designed to support early-stage founders who are navigating the initial phases of building a tech company. The Catalyst accelerator provides a valuable framework for these founders - helping them validate ideas, build their MVP, and better understand the broader funding landscape.There are three Catalyst tracks: Raise, Grow and Refine. Raise track is for founders who are building high-growth businesses that require external investment to grow fast.The Raise track equips founders with a solid foundation in funding strategy.This ensures the grant is directed toward those who are relevant and best positioned to benefit from it, with the right support and plan behind them.
Importantly, the MVP Grant isn’t intended for everyone - and it shouldn’t be. It’s one of several tools within the broader Techscaler offering, specifically tailored to founders at a certain stage. This change helps keep the grant focused and effective for the group it’s most relevant to.
What does this mean for founders?
To be considered for the MVP Grant, you’ll now need to join the Catalyst accelerator, and be accepted onto the Raise track. However, we advise against joining Catalyst solely to access the grant - that’s unlikely to be the best use of your time.
Catalyst is a fully funded accelerator designed for early-stage founders who are actively exploring, testing, or validating their startup ideas. If you're not looking to fully participate, other Scottish Enterprise grants, such as SMART, may be more suitable.
Importantly, the MVP Grant is just one of several funding routes we explore in Catalyst. Through the accelerator, we provide office hours with alternative funding providers, funding strategy support, and introductions to a global network of investors. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an introduction to different funding options and how to become ‘funding ready’, our online course, Techscaler Discovery covers a module on funding and signposts to relevant support.
FAQs
How do I apply for the Catalyst Raise track?
The Raise track begins on week 8 of the Catalyst accelerator and runs for three weeks.
If you have completed a Techscaler course or accelerator previously, you will be invited to apply for the Raise track
If you have never completed a Techscaler course or accelerator previously, you will need to apply to join Catalyst from the beginning
➡ Learn more via the Catalyst page.
I think my project is a great fit - can I apply directly without joining the Raise track?
No. Access to the grant is offered through participation in the Raise track of Catalyst. You’ll be asked if you’d like to be introduced to Scottish Enterprise if accepted.
If I’m introduced to Scottish Enterprise, does that mean I’ll get the grant?
No. The introduction is not a guarantee of funding. SE will assess your eligibility based on their criteria.
What is the grant application process?
- Join the Raise track. Once accepted, you’ll be asked if you’d like to be introduced to Scottish Enterprise
- Decide your timing. You can choose to delay or decline the introduction based on your funding strategy and readiness.
- Initial meeting with SE. A member of the Scottish Enterprise team will schedule a meeting to assess whether your project could be a good fit.
- Further steps (if applicable). If aligned, Scottish Enterprise will guide you through their internal grant process from there.
Do I need match funding in place before talking to Scottish Enterprise?
Yes, you should have your match funding secured (in the bank) by the time you speak with SE, as you'll need to cover project costs upfront and claim the grant in arrears.
What is match funding? What can count, and what doesn’t?
Match funding is the portion of the project cost you or your company must cover (not funded by the grant). It shows commitment and helps de-risk the grant.
Can count as match funding:
- Company cash reserves
- Private investment already secured
- External funding (e.g. from SOSE), if confirmed and not publicly duplicative
- In some cases: internal staff costs (for implementation projects)
Doesn’t count:
- Pending/unsecured funding
- Other public grants running at the same time
- Routine operational spend unrelated to the project
How do I know if I fit the grant criteria?
You are more likely to be eligible if:
- You’ve completed the Raise track on the Catalyst accelerator and are part of Techscaler
- You’re a Scottish-based SME with high-growth potential
- You own (or have rights to use) the IP
- You can deliver the project, fund your match, and meet Fair Work & Net Zero commitments
- Your project aligns with Scottish Enterprise’s strategic priorities ( innovation, economic impact & scaling potential)
- The grant would unlock a significant growth milestone (e.g. investment or revenue)
How long does the grant process take?
There’s no fixed timeline, but typical processes include:
- Introduction meeting → project scoping → application development
- Feasibility grants: paid on project completion
- Implementation grants: paid quarterly in arrears
Expect a minimum of 6 weeks, but more complex applications may take longer.
Are grants paid up-front or reimbursed?
Reimbursed. You cover the project costs first, and then claim back approved amounts from Scottish Enterprise.
- Feasibility projects: grant paid at the end
- Implementation projects: grant paid quarterly
Examples of eligible (and non-eligible) project costs
Eligible costs may include:
- Staff time (internal) — implementation projects only
- Contractors / consultants
- Equipment (depreciated)
- Travel, testing, materials
- Overheads (within allowed rates)
Not eligible:
- Certification or patent fees
- Non-project-related salaries
- Overseas consultants (in most cases)
- Routine business costs or BAU activity
What documentation is required for the application?
You can expect Scottish Enterprise to ask for the following as part of the application process:
- A project proposal (scope, business case, benefits)
- Detailed cost breakdowns, with quotes where relevant
- A business growth plan or roadmap
- Company and team information
- Forecasts showing economic impact
- Confirmation of IP ownership and match funding
Note: This blog was last updated in September 2025.
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