FAQs
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, assessments and AICC hands-on support.
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, assessments and AICC hands-on support.
No. Businesses apply for AICC hands-on support rather than for a specific type of engagement. Our team will assess your organisation, readiness, needs and opportunity before determining the most appropriate form and level of support.
Applications are considered separately for each cohort. If your organisation has applied previously but was not selected, you will need to submit a new application during a future cohort window if you would like to be considered again.
No. Explorer and Transformer are engagement formats used by the AICC to provide different levels of support. The AICC team determines which form of engagement is most appropriate following assessment.
Not necessarily. Some businesses come to the AICC with a clearly defined opportunity, while others know they want to explore AI but are unsure where it could create the greatest value.
Your current position will help us determine the most appropriate next step.
No. The AICC works with SMEs at different stages of AI adoption.
Yes. Eligible SMEs do not pay the AICC for the specialist support delivered through the engagement. Businesses are, however, expected to commit appropriate staff time and participate actively.
No. Demand is high and the AICC has limited specialist capacity.
Applications are reviewed collectively and assessed against factors such as eligibility, readiness, potential impact, strategic fit and available resources.
You may apply again during a future application window. You can also access other AICC learning, events and resources in the meantime.
The length and intensity of support will depend on the needs of the business and the type of engagement identified by the AICC. Details will be discussed with successful applicants before an engagement begins.
AICC's support is designed to help businesses explore, test and validate AI opportunities rather than act as a long-term commercial development provider.
Where appropriate, a Transformer engagement may include the development of a proof of concept or prototype to help demonstrate feasibility and potential value.
Businesses may need to share information about their organisation, processes, challenges and, where appropriate, data as part of an engagement.
Information will be handled in accordance with the AICC and Ulster University requirements and any relevant terms associated with the programme.
Eligible businesses do not pay a fee to the AICC for the specialist support provided through the engagement. However, hands-on support requires active participation from the business.
Organisations should be prepared to commit appropriate staff time, provide relevant business information and work collaboratively with the AICC team throughout the engagement.
Fully funded support does not mean that the AICC will fund the purchase of commercial technology, licences, equipment or the longer-term implementation of an AI solution.
Our role is to help you explore, understand, test and validate opportunities so that your organisation can make informed decisions about what to do next.
Innovation thrives through connection. Whether you're an SME, researcher, or professional exploring AI, we’re here to help.
