The grant helps SMEs in the Scottish Enterprise area progress AI projects from initial exploration through to implementation and embedding within the business.

Funding can support activities such as:

• identifying AI opportunities and business use cases
• assessing the feasibility of AI solutions
• piloting and testing AI technologies
• implementing or scaling AI solutions
• building staff capability and confidence in using AI
• developing processes and governance to support responsible AI adoption

Projects must have clear business objectives and demonstrate expected benefits such as improved productivity, innovation, competitiveness or business performance.

As part of the response to your enquiry, you may be referred to other support services that are more suited to your requirements. 

To be eligible, businesses must:

• be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
• be based in an area of Scotland supported by Scottish Enterprise that is, Aberdeen City and Shire, the east of Scotland, Tayside and the west of Scotland
• have more than 10 employees
• have a clearly defined AI project or business challenge
• demonstrate how the project will improve business performance, productivity, innovation or competitiveness
• be able to complete the project by 31 March 2027

Funding is not available for routine IT upgrades, standard software subscriptions or business-as-usual activity.

There is no cost to apply.

Successful applicants may receive grant funding of between £2,500 and £25,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Businesses must contribute the remaining project costs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in an area of Scotland supported by Scottish Enterprise that want to explore, adopt, implement or scale the use of artificial intelligence within their business to improve performance, productivity, products, services or operations.

Application assessment times will vary depending on demand and the complexity of the project. Approved projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.

Projects must be approved before any funded activity begins and must be completed by 31 March 2027. Funding is competitive and approval is not guaranteed.

As part of the response to your enquiry, you may be referred to other support services that are more suited to your requirements. 

Submit an enquiry and an advisor will be in touch to discuss your needs.