Funding of £2.1 million from the Welsh government will be used by three schemes aimed at helping Welsh SMEs, entrepreneurs and micro businesses to effectively integrate AI into their business practices.
Part of the funding will be given to Business Wales to launch an AI awareness and adoption support programme. The £600,000 scheme is being set up following the recommendations of a recent review on improving the productivity of SMEs in Wales.
A further £500,000 will be provided to increase usage of AI by the Welsh tourism and events sectors. It will include an AI adoption project by by Hartree Centre Cardiff Hub (HCCH) and Cardiff University’s Digital Transformation Innovation Institute (DTII).
Another £1 million will fund AI training through the Flexible Skills Programme (FSP), with a focus on bridging digital skills gaps and supporting inclusive growth. Employers will pay 25% of AI training costs and 50% for other FSP courses.
Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said:
“This important funding builds on powerful showcases of Welsh innovation, technology, and ambition in dynamic and forward looking sectors at Wales Tech Week and the Wales Investment Summit.
“AI is transforming the business sector, improving productivity and driving change. This programme of AI awareness, adoption and upskilling will help us ensure SMEs across all sectors in Wales are prepared to optimise the potential of emerging AI technologies in responsible, inclusive and ambitious ways.
“This will play a crucial role in putting the AI Plan for Wales into action, enabling people, communities, and businesses in every corner of Wales to start realising the benefits of artificial intelligence.”
Skills minister Jack Sargeant added:
“We recognise the huge potential of AI to supercharge business development and economic growth and are determined to do all we can to support the ambition of SMEs across Wales to develop the skills needed for future success.
“Our hugely successful Flexible Skills Programme is already benefitting thousands of businesses across Wales and this latest £1 million of funding will bridge digital skills gaps and accelerate the ethical and responsible adoption of AI in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”