Twenty high-growth businesses set to make a positive impact on Scotland’s economy are celebrating being named shared winners of the second Regional EDGE prize fund of £400,000.
They include Highland Wood from Inverness, Aberdeen-based Aqura Systems, Gowaan Bike Club CIC from Innerleithen and Arbroath-based Umbra Dynamics, each taking home £50,000 and the chance to compete for an additional £50,000 in the Royal Bank of Scotland–supported Winner of Winners award, to be announced in April.
Following a successful pilot in 2025, Regional EDGE returned in 2026 to offer businesses in Aberdeen, Tayside, the Highlands and Islands and the South of Scotland the chance to pitch for funding of up to £50,000.
Of the 40 shortlisted finalists, BlazeBalm from Newton Stewart, Real-E-Racing Ltd from Kelso, Aberdeen-based Hey Joey, Annie’s German Bakery based in Portlethen, Dornoch Craft Vinegar, Orkney’s Feverfew Garden Company, Glenfarg-based Arngask Home Farm, and The Tuskers of Perth took home prizes of £15,000 at their finals for businesses ranging from online support for neurodivergent families to an innovative wildfire protection balm.
Eight further entrepreneurs were awarded £10,000 including Multiply Technology Ltd from Hawick, Aberdeen’s Cask Ventures, Loaf-The Peat Baker from Thurso and Tayside’s Seadyes Ltd.
Awards ceremonies took place throughout March in each region, with industry leading keynote speakers in attendance including previous Scottish EDGE winners.
Funds were allocated through a regional competitive process, which involved pitching to a panel of judges and delivered in collaboration with local partners Opportunity North East, Elevator and GrowBiz, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise.
As well as financial support, all winners will benefit from becoming EDGE Alumni, granting them access to the organisation’s network of experienced contacts and business acumen.
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE said:
“Regional EDGE has proved itself to be an essential part of our national entrepreneurial ecosystem. Taking our competitive pitch format to all corners of Scotland has enabled us to support businesses not only in achieving transformative growth but also playing an essential role in building a thriving Scottish economy.
“Thanks to the generosity of our delivery partners and the Scottish Government we’ve once again been able to provide an additional platform to showcase the exceptional entrepreneurial talent across four regions.”
Gordon Hector, Co-CEO of Growbiz said:
“These awards are a testament to entrepreneurs in Tayside – with such a range of businesses, products and ideas on show. With entries from food, tech, wellbeing and more, Regional EDGE captured the diversity of our economy.
Our model is all about giving people the support and confidence to start, run and grow businesses, and we hope EDGE inspires more people to look at setting up.
We’re looking forward to seeing what the winners do next – and no doubt future rounds of EDGE for Tayside.”
Rachel Ross, CEO of Elevator said:
“Elevator is proud to have supported the Regional EDGE awards in Tayside, helping to create opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs across the region.
The quality and diversity of businesses coming through this year’s competition highlights the strength of entrepreneurial talent across Tayside and the important role initiatives like Regional EDGE play in unlocking growth and innovation at a regional level.
Congratulations to all of the winners – we look forward to seeing how they use this funding and support to accelerate their ambitions and contribute to the region’s future economy.”
Chair of HIE, Angus Campbell, said:
“It was a great pleasure to meet the finalists in person and experience the passion and ambition each one brings to their own business idea.
“While there can only be a limited number of winners on the day, all those who took part now have a place within a community of like-minded creative and enterprising people and that can only be a benefit going forward.
“Likewise, the competition has enabled HIE and our partners to meet some of tomorrow’s innovators and play a part in helping them take the next step on their exciting business journey.”
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO of Opportunity North East, said:
“Congratulations to today’s winners and to all the finalists. This year’s competition generated remarkable interest, receiving more than twice as many applications as last year. That engagement speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial energy across the region. The founders presenting today should be very proud of what they have achieved to date, and we look forward to supporting them in their next steps.”
“When Scottish EDGE approached ONE about hosting Regional EDGE North East last year, the fit was clear. Supporting founders and strengthening entrepreneurship is what we do. This year, our partnership has grown further. ONE is proud to be a supporting partner, contributing funding and hosting the competition and today’s final. That reflects our confidence in the founders across this region and the importance of backing them with the right support and investment.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, CEO of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
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“Regional EDGE is a powerful platform for showcasing the innovation thriving across Scotland’s regions. For the South of Scotland, this support is essential – it strengthens our entrepreneurial ecosystem and backs the high‑growth start‑ups shaping our future.
“The final has been a fantastic display of the bold ideas and ambition driving our region forward, highlighting the immense potential we have across the South.
“We are proud to work in partnership with Scottish EDGE to help create the conditions for businesses to scale, attract investment and realise their full potential.”
