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UNITE funding

Health and care technology businesses in Scotland can access funding from UNITE. This European digital health programme can help you collaborate with European partners to develop and scale technology solutions. Find out more and learn how we can help you apply.

What is UNITE?

UNITEopens in a new window  is a €20 million, four‑year European programme led by 28DIGITAL and co‑funded through Horizon Europe’s European Innovation Ecosystems strand. It's part of the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Valleys initiative.

The programme aims to build a borderless European digital health ecosystem by connecting regional innovation hubs and supporting the development of digital deep tech solutions for healthcare and care systems. We've joined nine European innovation authorities from across Europe to form the UNITE consortiumopens in a new window, creating a Regional Innovation Valley focused on digital health and care innovation.

The project runs to August 2028.

What you can get funding for​

Over £1 million of funding is expected to be available to Scottish health tech companies across the lifetime of the programme.

UNITE funding calls will focus on projects that address challenges in areas including:

  • Deep tech solutions that support equal access to health
  • Digital tools enabling more personalised and human‑centred remote care
  • Solutions that improve health data sharing and interoperability across Europe
  • Digital approaches to support the health and care workforce

Two types of funding will run alongside each other:

  • Near‑to‑market projects targeting solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–8
  • Agile Piloting support that helps start-ups and scale-ups in the UNITE regions to test digital health solutions in real-world settings. (Applications for Agile Piloting are now closed.)

Funding levels, eligibility criteria and timelines will vary depending on the specific call.

Who can apply?​

Health and care technology businesses, including:

  • Start‑ups and scale‑ups
  • Small and medium‑sized enterprises
  • Companies with market‑ready or near‑market digital health solutions

Applications are typically made as collaborations involving partners from at least three different UNITE regions. Your project must show clear potential for deployment, scaling and cross‑border impact.

Your company must be based in Scotland and meet the eligibility requirements shown in each funding call.

UNITE matchmaking platform

Use the UNITE matchmaking platformopens in a new window to find and connect with potential partners across Europe, helping you collaborate on shared digital health challenges.

Additional support through UNITE

Alongside funding opportunities, UNITE offers support to help digital health companies develop and grow.

How we can help

As a partner in the UNITE consortium, we can:

  • Help you understand upcoming UNITE funding calls
  • Provide guidance on eligibility and collaboration requirements
  • Support you to identify and connect with suitable European partners

Find out more

If you want to learn more about UNITE funding, our team is ready to help. Tell us about your company and your project, and we can help you take the next steps.

Send an enquiry