Entrepreneurs from across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire have been recognised at the 2026 UHI Business Competition after a record breaking year for entries.
Now in its 20th year, the competition attracted 154 entries from students, staff and community members across the University of the Highlands and Islands network.
The awards ceremony took place at UHI Inverness on Wednesday 29 April where 13 finalists were recognised for business ideas ranging from mental health fashion brands and AI study assistants through to digital healthcare platforms and sustainable fashion apps.
The overall winner was Maria Makarova from Forres, who received the £1,000 top prize along with legal and accountancy support packages for her business Tailo.dog.
The platform is designed to help dog owners better understand behaviour using real time analysis of stress and communication signals alongside personalised training programmes created with professional behaviourists.
Maria Makarova said:
“Tailo is delighted to win the top prize.
“This is the first prize we have ever won, but it won’t be the last!
“The whole process, from application to pitch to awards, was really smooth and easy to engage with.
“The communication and support I received from everyone involved were superb.
“We will spend the prize money on improving the experience for our users, and the legal support package will help with the preparation of our patent application.”
This year’s competition delivered a total prize pot of £10,500 supported by a range of industry sponsors from across Scotland.
Winners included students and entrepreneurs from Inverness, Kirkwall, Helensburgh, Thurso, South Uist, Perth and Lossiemouth.
Projects recognised included a mental health focused clothing brand, a digital healthcare audit system, improved horse transport services, a reusable toilet seat cover, an AI powered study assistant and an off grid sauna experience on Loch Fyne.
Guests at the ceremony were welcomed by Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness.
Professor Chris O’Neil said:
“These are challenging but exciting times.
“An entrepreneurial spirit, combined with discipline and creativity, is how we will not only get by, but thrive.
“It’s inspiring to see people take ideas and turn them into real solutions.
“With such a strong increase in entries this year, it’s clear a new generation is stepping forward ready to shape what comes next.”
The event also featured keynote speaker Lesley McKenna, three time Winter Olympian and Director of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland.
Lesley McKenna said:
“Playfulness and problem-solving are at the heart of creativity and innovation.
“Setbacks become learning opportunities, and you develop humility and appreciation for others along the way.
“Whether as an athlete, coach or programme manager, I’ve learned that excellence is never individual, it’s built through collaboration, shared purpose and creating the right environment for people to take risks and do something exceptional together.”
Whyte & Mackay Distilling Director Shane Healy praised the growing strength of the competition after serving as a judge during this year’s awards.
Shane Healy said:
“This is a really special event.
“With a record number of entries this year, the standard has been phenomenal, and after 20 years the competition just keeps getting stronger.
“Everyone shortlisted should be very proud.”
The UHI Business Competition has been organised by the Centre for Living Sustainability at UHI Inverness since 2006 and continues to support entrepreneurship and innovation across the Highlands and Islands.
