£7 million fund announced for SME AI projects
It was announced last week that SMEs in high-growth industries that are looking to adopt AI solutions could receive £7 million, following the launch of two new competitions.
The high-growth industries in question include:
- Agri-food
- Construction
- Transport and logistics
- Creative industries
The funding will come from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and will be delivered by Innovate UK’s BridgeAI programme. Ahead of the competition, the UKRI engaged with potential applicants, which included hosting an in-person workshop event and an online briefing session last month.
The first competition is supported by £5 million in funding and will support a second round of feasibility studies. The second competition will allow existing round one projects working in areas such as fashion and farming to apply for a share of £2 million.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a range of responsible and trustworthy AI solutions. The deadline for both competitions is 08 May 2024.
As a trade body representing over 600 SME members, techUK welcomes this announcement, which will support SMEs to grow and innovate. You can read more about the announcement here.
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Contact the team
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
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