Free AI training for SME businesses

Australian small to medium sized businesses will have access to expert advice on how to safely adopt artificial intelligence into their operations following the announcement of a new $17 million programme.

the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic today announced four AI Adopt Centres under the AI Adopt Program which will connect business with AI expertise.

The four AI Adopt projects will be operated by:

• Boab AI Adopt Centre, a consortium of industry and university partners delivering courses and one-on-one mentoring in AI in medical science, agriculture and renewables and low emissions tech
• Digital Transformation Australia, leveraging the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing (ARM) Hub to provide manufacturing SMEs a pathway to understanding how AI can help their businesses
• elevenM, guiding SMEs through design and implementation of AI solutions with a focus on workflow and governance solutions
• And Redgrid Internet of Energy Enterprises, Focussing on regional SMEs in agriculture, forestry and fisheries and renewable technologies.

The four organisations were chosen through a competitive grant process and each will target businesses in priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart (pictured) welcomed the programme and said: “ARM Hub and its partners are thrilled to continue their work in fostering a world-class AI ecosystem in Australia that embraces safe and responsible AI and is focused on commercialisation and business growth.

“The use of modern data platforms in Australian manufacturing is critical to effective scaling-up and business growth and the creation of a ‘smart’ and resilient workforce. The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will provide a joined-up service that demonstrates how data and AI can modernise business, build skills and boost productivity.”

The centres will demonstrate how AI can modernise businesses and boost productivity and provide free specialist training to help businesses and staff develop skills to effectively manage AI.

The centres will complement the National Artificial Intelligence Centre and participate in the Responsible AI Network.

Picture: Professor Cori Stewart