Government looks for training partners for $17m AI adoption program

The government is looking for training partners as part of a $17 million program to help Australian businesses adopt and integrate AI.

Announced by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on 8 December, the Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program will establish up to five AI Adopt centres across Australia. 

Each centre will target business in one of the key priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund to create a network of industry specific centres that provide free guidance and training on utilising AI.

The government is seeking applications from Australian businesses, industry partners and research institutions with the capability to deliver training and upskilling packages to businesses. 

This includes development and delivery of a program of educational products such as business ready workshops and online videos targeting SMEs within the nominated National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority areas

It also includes provision of tailored, in-house expertise to explore, develop, support and trial AI solutions specific to SMEs’ sectoral needs.

Applications are open until 29 January 2024.

Grants between $3 million and $5 million over four years for up to 50% of eligible project expenditure are being offered to businesses that can establish centres to help Australian SMEs adopt AI technologies in their business.

The centres will provide “specialist training to help develop specific skills to effectively manage AI.” The training will be offered without charge to eligible businesses.

The centres will also “showcase the innovative capabilities that AI can unlock” and “provide guidance on how to adopt AI responsibly and efficiently.”

The centres will complement the National Artificial Intelligence Centre and participate in the Responsible AI Network.

“Harnessing the power of AI will enhance productivity helping to crack one of the biggest challenges facing Australia," Husic stated.

“This network of centres will give businesses clear and direct advice on how to integrate AI into their work systems."

“AI has enormous potential to support Australian businesses to gain a competitive edge in global markets."

“We’ve committed $17 million to the Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program, to establish new AI Adopt Centres to be a front-door for AI use and advise Australian businesses nationwide.”