Inverness College is among the partners hoping to develop plans for a new science academy in the region.
The Highlands are the only part of Scotland without such a facility at the moment and the local college is pushing for the project to be given the go-ahead along with the council and other majoy employers.
It is aiming to eventually encourage young people to get involved in a career in engineering, life science, energy or IT, while also providing a networked hub for technology across the area.
Children of all ages will be engaged – from pre-school right up until further education – in a bid to spark interest in the different sectors.
A campus is currently being constructed in the centre of Aberdeen and it is hoped that this will be where the academy can be based.
Highland council leader Drew Hendry said: “We have never had a better chance than now to change the learning environment, the access to future work and to prepare our young people for the future with a firm view on giving them access to thousands of highly paid and skilled jobs.”