Hands-On Support for Businesses
Fully funded, expert AI support tailored to the needs, readiness and ambitions of Northern Ireland SMEs.
Fully funded, expert AI support tailored to the needs, readiness and ambitions of Northern Ireland SMEs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help businesses improve productivity, make better decisions and create new products, services and ways of working. But knowing where to start and which opportunities are worth pursuing can be challenging.
The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) provides fully funded, hands-on AI support to eligible SMEs across Northern Ireland, giving businesses access to specialist expertise, practical guidance and technical support to help them identify where AI can add value and take meaningful steps towards adoption.
Our support is tailored to each organisation. You do not need to know what type of AI support you need before applying. Tell us about your business, your challenges and what you want to achieve, and our team will assess your readiness and match you with the most appropriate AICC support.
Applications for our autumn cohort are now open, with a limited number of places available.
For many SMEs, the challenge is not recognising that AI could create opportunities. It is understanding where to focus, what is achievable and what to do next. The AICC's hands-on support has been created to help businesses bridge that gap.
Our specialists work directly with SMEs to:
The aim is not to introduce AI for the sake of it. We help businesses understand where AI makes sense, what value it could create and how they can progress responsibly and practically.
Explore the key information you need to know about our hands-on support, eligibility, assessment process and what happens next.
The AICC team assesses each business and determines the most appropriate level of hands-on support.
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Fully funded, expert AI support tailored to the needs, readiness and ambitions of Northern Ireland SMEs.
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Understand each stage, from application and readiness assessment through to the AICC review and support matching.
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Find out whether your organisation meets the eligibility requirements for the AICC's hands-on SME support.
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Our support is designed for eligible Northern Ireland SMEs that want to explore how AI could create practical value within their organisation.
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Learn what your business can expect to take away and how AICC can support your next steps.
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Find out what happens if your business is not selected and how you can engage with the AICC in future.
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Find answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, assessments and AICC hands-on support.
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These are the terms and conditions which govern the application process for AICC hands-on support programmes.
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Real companies. Real challenges. Real impact. To date we’ve supported over 115 organisations, of all sizes, explore practical AI solutions tailored to their real-world needs. These are their stories.
There are several other ways you and your organisation can begin or continue your AI journey with the AICC.
Explore practical learning opportunities through the AICC's AI Learning Lab.
Access practical guidance, frameworks and tools through the AICC’s Responsible AI Hub.
Join workshops, information sessions and events designed to help businesses learn, connect and explore emerging AI opportunities. View our events schedule.
We have curated a list of commercial providers who are experts in various fields, and can provide invaluable support.
Some of the companies we are currently working with.
Join our mailing list to be among the first to hear when the next application window opens.
You can also follow the AICC on LinkedIn for programme announcements, events and opportunities.
Innovation thrives through connection. Whether you're an SME, researcher, or professional exploring AI, we’re here to help.
