A prototype to provide mobile satellite broadband for unconnected locations was among several new ideas to feature at a “Dragons’ Den-style” pitching event for a group of eight Highland entrepreneurs.
The session marked the culmination of an intensive 12-week programme aimed at helping business leaders in the life sciences, engineering and technology sectors bring new ideas to market more quickly.
Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the free Pathfinder Accelerator programme was delivered by specialist coaches from The Leadership Factory and UP Accelerator.
Among the businesses represented were Inverness-based External Reality, whose founder Richard Burns pitched the mobile broadband technology to the seven-strong panel, Aurora Sustainability, of Forres, Creativity in Care, also from the Highland capital and Dornoch firm Forbovi.
The other firms taking part were Kazbeg, Orrin Equestrian Products, Pinnacle Business Solutions and Visual Performance Management.
James Cameron, HIE’s head of life sciences, said: “The Highlands and Islands benefits from a strong profile of life sciences and technology expertise; sectors which deliver high levels of innovation.
“Commercial success of any new idea depends on a strong business model and being able to reach the right market. The Pathfinder programme not only guides companies and start-ups through this process but assists with funding, networking and expert insight.”