Sometimes big things begin with something small — an idea, a conversation, or, in our case, a competition.
Earlier this year, we took part in the UHI Business Competition 2025 with a simple concept we called ReTech: instead of throwing old laptops and computers away, why not repair them, reuse them, and give them a second life in the community?
We believed the Highlands needed this — more access to tech, less waste, and a practical way to help people who can’t afford new devices.
To our surprise, ReTech didn’t just get noticed — it won the Best Sustainability Award.
That moment changed everything. It was the first sign that the idea wasn’t just “nice” — it was needed.
The pilot that proved it works
After the competition, we quietly started a small pilot. Just a few devices, a few families, a few organisations willing to try it with us.
But the response was immediate.
People began offering to donate their unused tech. A couple of local partners reached out.
We started seeing real stories of impact — kids getting access to a laptop for school, families being able to stay connected, devices saved from recycling before their time.
That’s when we realised: this can be something much bigger.
A push forward from Firstport
Not long after, we received a Start It grant from Firstport, which gave us the breathing room to build proper processes, equipment testing, data wiping, and everything needed to make ReTech safe and sustainable.
It was another sign that we were on the right path.
Becoming Highlands Innovation CIC
With the pilot working, partners onboard, and a clear mission forming, we made the decision to formalise everything and build something long-term.
So now it’s official:
Highlands Innovation CIC is registered as a Community Interest Company in Scotland
(Company No. SC868816).
What’s next?
ReTech is only the beginning.
We want to expand digital access, support local organisations, reduce e-waste in the Highlands, and build projects that genuinely help people — together with the community, not above it.
We’re a small team of Scots and Ukrainians who believe that innovation doesn’t have to be loud — it just has to make life better for someone.
And this is just the start.
