UHI Business Competition marks 20 years as 2026 entries open

Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to submit their business ideas as the 2026 UHI Business Competition officially opens for entries.

This year marks a major milestone – the 20th running of the competition, which has supported enterprise across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire since its launch in 2006. Over two decades, the competition has attracted 1,913 entries and awarded over £120,000 in prize funding, alongside mentorship and specialist business support.

Open to all students across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership and anyone aged 16 or over living in Argyll and Bute, the Highlands and Islands, Moray or Perthshire, the competition champions innovation from every walk of life.

Run by CREATE, UHI’s Hub for Enterprise and Innovation, the programme helps participants develop entrepreneurial skills for work, life and self-employment. A prize fund of up to £8,500 is available this year, alongside accountancy, legal and technology support packages, and the chance to pitch to business experts at the finals.

Past finalists have gone on to national success including Christopher Kaan Caudwell, UHI Perth student and 2025 Converge KickStart winner, whose start-up Gestura uses AI to translate sign language and speech in real time.

Christopher said:

“UHI Business Competition gave me the early belief, encouragement, practical support and idea validation that became the launchpad for my company. It’s where Gestura first began to take shape, where it all started. It’s where belief turned into action, and that support helped us reach national recognition at the Converge 2025 Awards.”

He added:

“I’m also continuing my studies at UHI Perth, and I’m very grateful to remain part of such a supportive and inspiring community.”

Darlene Russell, UHI’s Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer, said:

“Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of our local and national economy, and this competition plays a vital role in inspiring, encouraging, and supporting promising entrepreneurs as they develop their business ideas. For two decades, it has uncovered innovations with the potential to shape the future of Argyll and Bute, the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire.

"We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, talent, and determination shown by participants year after year, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone alongside our finalists, partners, and communities.

"If you have an idea–no matter how early–take that first step and enter. This is a supportive space to explore your potential and turn your ideas into impact.”

The competition is supported by long-standing and new sponsors, including Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship returning for 2026:

“We are delighted to support the 20th UHI Business Competition and champion the technical talent emerging across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. Innovation thrives when engineers and scientists are encouraged to be entrepreneurial, and we are proud to help nurture those future leaders.”

Heidi Simpson, Regional Accelerator Director, Scotland and North of England, Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The Royal Bank of Scotland is pleased to once again back the UHI Business Competition. Entrepreneurs build stronger communities and local economies, and we are committed to supporting the next generation of business founders across Scotland.”

Entries close on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 12 noon and finalists will pitch their ideas in Inverness on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the UHI Business Competition webpage: www.uhi.ac.uk/businesscompetition