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The National AI Adoption programme will offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) a range of support – including tailored mentoring services to grants – to introduce or expand the use of AI in order to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment.
The programme will be delivered by the Scottish enterprise agencies – Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise - together with The Data Lab, Scotland's innovation centre for data and artificial intelligence and the Scottish AI Alliance.
It will be supported by nearly £1m of Scottish Government funding and is the first initiative to be delivered as part of AI Scotland, a transformation programme designed to support the adoption of AI.
To launch the programme, Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the Edinburgh Trams depot at Gogarburn in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Trams has worked with Integrated Human Factors to develop a wearable fatigue monitoring device.
The Minister said:
“Artificial intelligence is a hugely powerful, rapidly-evolving tool that can support and drive our economy. It can enable businesses to work smarter, to innovate and empower its workforces.
“This national programme will help ensure SMEs across the country have the right support and guidance in place to explore and develop how the adoption of AI could support expansion, competitiveness and open new markets.
“The programme also marks an important first step in establishing AI Scotland, a true partnership bringing together expertise from across the public and private sectors to help ensure our economy, and indeed our society, is well placed to harness AI as a tool for economic growth and a force for good across society.”
Across the Highlands and Islands, a growing number of businesses are already harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to innovate and grow.
Midton Acrylics Limited is a Lochgilphead-based manufacturer, which is using AI to streamline its design process. The company is developing an AI tool that automates the creation of design concepts, allowing the team to deliver high-quality visuals to clients more quickly and efficiently. The new AI solution will automate this process, enabling the company to deliver high-quality visuals and faster turnaround times, ultimately enhancing its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
The AI Adoption programme launched today is designed to support projects like these, providing funding and expert advice to help businesses explore Artificial Intelligence in the context of their unique opportunities and challenges, to consider risk and invest in next steps.
Theresa Swayne, senior development manager for digital and technology adoption at HIE, said:
“Midton Acrylics Limited is a fantastic example of how AI can be used to improve efficiency and profitability. We are keen to hear from businesses across the Highlands and Islands that are curious about what AI can do for them. The programme is designed to help people explore the possibilities, work smarter and unlock new opportunities for growth whilst considering the risks. We would encourage people to get in touch and take that first step.”
Businesses and social enterprises can access support available through the programme at: AI Scotland National AI Adoption Programme | Find Business Support
For more information on other digital support from HIE, please visit here
Background
The Business Minister announced the national AI adoption programme as part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week. National Innovation Week
The launch of a national AI Adoption Programme for SMEs forms part of a Programme for Government 2025-26 commitment to establish AI Scotland, a transformation programme founded on a partnership of business, academia, agencies and government
Research commissioned by Scottish Enterprise estimates that AI could potentially increase Scotland’s GDP by between £2.74bn and £19.33bn over a no-AI scenario by 2035.[1]
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