Capsules of AI Knowledge – Supporting SME AI Adoption
Hello,
I’m Alexandra Araujo Alvarez, and I led the creation of the Capsules of AI Knowledge as part of the InnovateUK BridgeAI programme. These capsules are a series of bite-sized videos, each around three minutes, designed by The Alan Turing Institute’s Innovation workstream to help businesses tackle common challenges on their journey to adopting artificial intelligence (AI).
The idea behind the capsules emerged from the Independent Scientific Advice (ISA) offering, a core part of BridgeAI that continues to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) today. Through this initiative, a team of Independent Scientific and Associated Advisors, academics and experts in a wide range of AI technologies and industry sectors from across the UK, provide tailored advice to SMEs. To date, the team has supported over 150 organisations, offering up to 16 hours of free, one-to-one guidance to help businesses overcome specific challenges in adopting and applying AI. This support can include areas such as technology implementation, developing strategic AI roadmaps, addressing governance and ethical considerations, building internal skills and capabilities, and identifying collaboration opportunities with academia or other partners.
Mapping Questions to the AI Adoption Framework
To ensure the capsules were not just informative but also strategically aligned, we mapped these questions to the BridgeAI ‘AI Adoption Framework’. This framework breaks down the SME AI adoption journey into five key stages: Strategy, Data, Build, Implement, and Cross-cutting considerations. By aligning the videos to these stages, we provide SMEs with a structured learning experience, helping them follow a logical path as they explore how AI could work for them.
Each capsule is anchored in real-world queries raised by SMEs and is designed to demystify complex topics. Here’s a snapshot of the themes you can explore through the series:
Strategy:
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What is AI, and what can it do for your business?
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Is my business ready to adopt AI?
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How can foundational standards support AI strategies?
Data:
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What data do I need to adopt AI?
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How should I clean my data for AI use?
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How can data visualisation support robust AI outcomes?
Build:
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What are the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of adopting AI?
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How do you apply AI ethics to strengthen your business?
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What key standards should be considered when adopting AI?
Implement:
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How do you successfully deploy an AI workflow?
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How can your business find the right academic partner to scale your AI project?
Cross-cutting topics:
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Are you building an AI team with the right expertise?
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What are the implications of the EU AI Act for UK businesses?
These videos were possible thanks to the collaboration of our delivery partners, who not only contributed their expertise by helping to write the scripts, but also bravely stepped in front of the camera to share their insights. The series also aims to highlight the collaborative nature of a multi-partner programme like BridgeAI, which brings together a wealth of perspectives and experience. In the videos, you’ll see contributors from Digital Catapult, STFC Hartree Centre, BSI, Innovate UK Business Connect, and The Alan Turing Institute. Each offering valuable guidance informed by their area of specialism.
Explore the Series
Each video includes a clear call to action and signposts viewers to additional resources, tools, and support opportunities available through BridgeAI and The Alan Turing Institute.
Watch the series here: Capsules of AI Knowledge – YouTube Playlist
Explore the AI Adoption Framework
Apply for bespoke AI support for SMEs
What’s Next?
In June 2025, we will launch eight new capsules, expanding the series with deeper insights and emerging themes. We hope these resources will continue to accelerate AI adoption and help more SMEs tap into the full potential of the BridgeAI ecosystem, including tools, events, and expert guidance.
We invite everyone to explore the video series, share it within your networks, and leave us feedback in the comments. Let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next, we're building this content with the community, for the community.
Thank you for reading!
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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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Authors
Alexandra Araujo Alvarez J
lexandra is the Senior Research Community Manager for Innovate UK BridgeAI and part of the Research Community Management team based at The Alan Turing Institute. BridgeAI's mission is to empower UK organisations to harness the power of AI through support and funding, bridging the AI divide for SMEs in the UK.