Queries regarding the Ecosystem Pathways Fund applications: FOI release

Information requested

You asked for the following information for the most recent Pathways Funding round:

1. The total number of applications received, and the number approved for funding.

2. The names of applicant organisations, both successful and unsuccessful (where disclosure would not breach confidentiality).

3. The amounts requested and amounts awarded for each application.

4. The assessment criteria or scoring framework used to evaluate applications.

5. Copies (or summaries) of panel meeting minutes, decision-making notes, or equivalent documentation that outlines the rationale for funding decisions.

Response

1. The total number of applications received, and the number approved for funding.

88 applications were received and 14 organisations have been approved for funding.

2&3. The names of applicant organisations, both successful and unsuccessful (where disclosure would not breach confidentiality). The amounts requested and amounts awarded for each application.

Some of the information you have requested, the names of successful applicants and amounts awarded, is available from a Scottish Government press release published on 30 September 2025 at www.gov.scot/news/breaking-down-barriers-to-business. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested, the names of unsuccessful applicants and amount of funding applied for, because an exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA applies to that information. This exemption applies to information where disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person. “Person” includes a public authority, company and partnership. The reason why that exemption applies is explained below.

Disclosure of this information would be likely to cause substantial prejudice to the commercial interests of the fund applicants and potentially undermining their competitive position in future funding rounds or commercial opportunities. The exemption applies to information from unsuccessful applicants as disclosure could prejudice their ongoing commercial activities and future participation in competitive processes.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because there is a need for transparency in the award of public funding. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining the integrity of the competitive funding process and attracting a broad range of applicants. Ensuring that businesses are confident in participating in future funding rounds, knowing that their commercially sensitive information will not be disclosed, ultimately serves the public interest in maintaining effective funding programmes.

4. The assessment criteria or scoring framework used to evaluate applications.

All of the information you have requested is available from the Pathways Fund Guidance 2025/2026 found at pathway.ecosystemfund.co.uk/guidance. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. As outlined on the fund guidance, the assessment criteria and weighting was as below:

1. Impact Potential (35%)
2. Value for Money (25%)
3. Delivery Capability (20%)
4. Future Sustainability (10%)
5. Innovation and Alignment with Pathways (10%)

If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

5. Copies (or summaries) of panel meeting minutes, decision-making notes, or equivalent documentation that outlines the rationale for funding decisions.

Some of the information you have requested is available from the Pathways Fund Guidance 2025/2026 found at pathway.ecosystemfund.co.uk/guidance. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

In summary, as requested, the proposals were assessed in three stages which were as follows:

1. Due Diligence: Checks to ensure suitability.
2. Specialist Assessment: Review against criteria.
3. Final Decisions: Validation Panel reviews scores and distributes funds.

Each of the assessment criteria was scored between 0-5 with the option to include comments to support feedback to applicants. The weighted scoring criteria were then used to create a final score sheet which was shared with the validation panel. The panel considered scoring across the assessment criteria to create a ranking list of applicants. Further factors the panel then considered was the geographical location, relevance and alignment to the funding criteria and variety of projects and activity to be delivered.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.