Scottish EDGE is set to provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs living outside the central belt thanks to a second round of its successful Regional EDGE competition. Backed by Scottish Government funding the competition is open for applications from today (14 January 2026).
To celebrate entrepreneurial talent in regions with historically lower levels of engagement with Scottish EDGE, Regional EDGE is inviting all start-ups with growth ambitions from the North East, as well as the Highlands and Islands, Tayside and the South of Scotland, to apply.
Now in its second year, Regional EDGE awards funding through a competitive Scottish EDGE process.
In the North-East, this year’s competition is delivered in partnership with Opportunity North East to host a dedicated local final where five winners from the area will be selected. Beyond the financial awards, which range from £10,000 to £50,000, successful applicants join an exclusive alumni network with access to expert mentorship and a community of industry contacts.
With Aberdeenshire already producing innovative companies such as InGlaze, this competition represents a significant boost for the local economy.
Scottish EDGE has awarded over £30 million to 739 recipients across Scotland, including businesses such as Dundee based MedAscend, Aberdeenshire based InGlaze, Perthshire based Bookr, and Moray based Rescue Winch, all of whom have scaled operations since their win in the previous round of Regional EDGE.
Beyond the funding, winners join the EDGE alumni network, gaining exclusive access to expert business mentorship and a wide-reaching community of contacts. Additionally, every applicant receives professional feedback from an expert panel to help refine their business strategy.
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO of Opportunity North East, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Scottish EDGE to bring Regional EDGE back to the north east in 2026. This is a great opportunity for founders to access funding to finance growth. I encourage all founders in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City who are eligible for Regional EDGE to apply.”
Caroline Maclellan, Senior Innovation Manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:
“Regional EDGE highlights the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs with crucial funding and support needed to bring their visions to life. We are proud to support these high-growth businesses as they contribute to a vibrant and sustainable economy. Working with our partners to deliver the Regional EDGE programme is a fantastic opportunity for rural entrepreneurs and we encourage anyone with big ambitions to apply and claim their share of the prize pot.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO at EDGE, said:
“Now in its second year, the return of Regional EDGE competition demonstrates our commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship across Scotland. With continued support from the Scottish Government and our dedicated delivery partners, we are proud to again shine a spotlight on high-growth start-ups. Being able to provide critical funding and expert mentorship will help a new cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs make their businesses a success.”
In Case You Missed it:
Entries for the Regional EDGE competition open on today (14 January 2026 at 9:00am), followed by a virtual application workshop on 20th January to support prospective entrants. The application window remains open until 2:00pm on 11 February, with live pitching finals and awards following in each region between 12th to 26th March.
More information about the competition can be found at scottishedge.com/regional
