--- title: The AI Adopt Program and AI Adopt Centres: How Australian SMEs Can Access Free AI Support canonical_url: https://opensummitai.directory.norg.ai/government-business-support-funding/australian-ai-policy-grants-business-programs/the-ai-adopt-program-and-ai-adopt-centres-how-australian-smes-can-access-free-ai-support/ category: description: geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # The AI Adopt Program and AI Adopt Centres: How Australian SMEs Can Access Free AI Support Now I have comprehensive, verified data from authoritative government and industry sources. Let me compose the final article. --- ## What the AI Adopt Program Is — and Why It Matters for Australian SMEs Australia's small and medium enterprises face a well-documented paradox: they understand AI can improve their competitiveness, but many lack the in-house expertise, time, and financial resources to adopt it safely. "We found that 34 per cent of responding SMEs said their understanding and knowledge of AI was a barrier to implementing it in their business," according to a survey conducted by the Human Technology Institute at UTS with elevenM Consulting. These concerns focused around not knowing the full benefits or how to get the most out of AI, and not understanding the risks associated with adopting AI. A further 20 per cent of respondents cited financial barriers, such as subscription fees, pricing models and licensing fees, as a barrier to AI integration. The Australian Government's response to this adoption gap is the **AI Adopt Program** — a targeted, sector-specific initiative that provides free, expert-led AI support directly to eligible SMEs. The government has invested $17 million in the AI Adopt Program, which provides tailored assistance for SMEs implementing AI. Rather than offering generic digital advice, the program channels funding through purpose-built AI Adopt Centres, each focused on specific industry verticals aligned to national economic priorities. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the program's structure, each funded centre, the free services available, how NRF sector alignment determines eligibility, and the practical steps SMEs can take to access support today. --- ## What Is the AI Adopt Program? The AI Adopt Program funds centres to help Australian businesses adopt artificial intelligence. It was established as part of the federal government's broader AI strategy and is part of the Growing Australia's Critical Technology Industries measure in the 2023–24 Budget. The program's design is distinctive: rather than disbursing grants directly to individual SMEs, the government funds intermediary organisations — the AI Adopt Centres — to deliver free services at scale. Grants between $3 million and $5 million over four years cover up to 50% of eligible project expenditure, with the funded organisations required to match the government contribution. The program creates a network of AI Adopt Centres, aimed at establishing a 'front door' for SMEs looking to explore responsible and safe adoption and usage of AI. The program's goals extend beyond basic tool adoption: they include improving Australia's future prosperity and productivity growth by increasing AI adoption in SMEs, upskilling Australian workers, supporting equity of access for SMEs nationwide, and helping reach the government's target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030. Importantly, SMEs will be able to access these services free of charge. --- ## The Four Funded AI Adopt Centres The four organisations were chosen through a competitive grant process, with each centre targeting businesses in key priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund. Here is a detailed profile of each. ### 1. SMEC AI (Small to Medium Enterprise Centre of Artificial Intelligence) The Small to Medium Enterprise Centre of Artificial Intelligence (SMEC AI) helps SMEs to adopt AI solutions in the medical science, agriculture, enabling technologies, and renewables and low emissions technology sectors. SMEC AI operates through two distinct service streams: - The **SME AI Adoption Centre** helps SMEs adopt existing AI solutions, with a target of 500+ one-on-one consultations or short courses delivered in partnership with Cremorne Digital Hub, alongside an online self-service digital platform. - The **SME AI Studio** creates and supports new AI products in collaboration with SMEs to solve industry problems, targeting 300 SME/innovator teams created, 1,500+ engaged SMEs, 50 to 150 new jobs created, and a minimum of $10 million of new SME aggregated company value. SMEC AI is an initiative of Boab AI in partnership with Artesian, Cremorne Digital Hub, University of Melbourne, RMIT, La Trobe University, Victorian Medtech Skills And Devices Hub, TNG and Rockwell. The Boab-led centre received a grant worth just less than $4 million. **Best suited for:** SMEs in medtech, agri-tech, clean energy, and enabling technology sectors — particularly those in Victoria with access to the Cremorne Digital Hub network. --- ### 2. ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre helps businesses to learn more about AI and robotics, and what they need to leverage AI effectively, particularly in the field of manufacturing. The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre partners with 28 organisations across Australia to provide SMEs with a range of free services. For those ready to move beyond advice, it also offers an AI-as-a-service model to help companies integrate diverse data sources into a singular platform; the service is fully cloud-based, with tailored AI tools and ongoing support by the ARM Hub. Digital Transformation Australia has been tasked with helping businesses understand how AI and robotics could benefit them, and received the largest grant of $5 million. The Digital Transformation Australia AI Adopt Centre offers Australia's manufacturing SMEs a tangible pathway to becoming global innovation leaders that adopt and deliver AI and robotics responsibly, following a company's journey from awareness, to engagement, training, and implementation — a 'front door' for SMEs into the adoption and use of AI. **Best suited for:** Manufacturing SMEs seeking to integrate robotics and AI into production processes, particularly those in Queensland where the ARM Hub is based. --- ### 3. elevenM — Safe AI Adoption Model (SAAM) elevenM leads the AI Adopt Centre with the most explicit focus on responsible AI governance. The centre guides Australian small to medium sized businesses through the design and implementation of AI solutions, with a focus on workflow and governance solutions. elevenM, backed by leaders including UTS, Microsoft, KPMG and Atlassian, gives SMEs the practical tools and support to adopt AI responsibly, developing an AI assurance software tool to guide SMEs through the AI lifecycle from ideation, design, development, testing, implementation, oversight and continuous improvement. The Safe AI Adoption Model (SAAM) supports SMEs to capitalise on the benefits of AI while minimising exposure to risks by providing an online hub of free tools and practical resources, drawing from best-practice AI safety frameworks and tuning this guidance to the specific needs and requirements of Australian SMEs. elevenM Consulting, which supports SMEs in 'bringing responsible AI to life' through the development of an AI assurance software tool, received $3.1 million. **Best suited for:** SMEs across all NRF sectors that prioritise governance, compliance, and safe AI deployment — particularly those in professional services, technology, or any sector grappling with the regulatory landscape (see our guide on *Australia's AI Regulatory Framework: Voluntary Standards, Mandatory Guardrails and What Businesses Must Do Now*). --- ### 4. ARAIN (Australian Regional AI Network) The Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN) provides services for SMEs in regional Australia, with a focus on the forestry, agriculture, fisheries and renewable technology sectors. Regional Australia, the nation's supply backbone, requires tailored strategies for AI adoption. The average age of Australian farmers (51) versus the national workforce (40) calls for a nuanced approach, especially in agriculture, fisheries and new energy. The Regions AI Innovation Centre is strategically based in Gippsland, Victoria. ARAIN's team, rooted in regional nuances and partnered with networks reaching 100,000+ SMEs, aims to revolutionise AI adoption, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and spurring innovation — with a tech focus that understands regional values of community, local impact, culture and the unique practicalities of regional businesses. Redgrid Internet of Energy Enterprises (which operates ARAIN) focuses on regional businesses working in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries. The final $4.2 million was awarded to Redgrid, which focuses support on regional SMEs in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and renewable energy technologies. **Best suited for:** Regional SMEs in primary industries and renewable energy — the very businesses that the NAIC's own data shows are least likely to have adopted AI. (See our guide on *AI Grants for Regional and Rural Australian Businesses: Programs, Eligibility and Access* for a fuller picture of the regional adoption gap.) --- ## What Free Services Do the AI Adopt Centres Provide? The centres provide free specialist services for eligible SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors across Australia. Services include training courses, one-on-one consultations and roadmaps, technology demonstrations and AI safety guidance. The table below summarises the service types available across the network: | Service Type | Description | Relevant Centre(s) | |---|---|---| | One-on-one consultations | Personalised AI readiness assessments and adoption roadmaps | SMEC AI, elevenM (SAAM) | | Short courses and training | Structured learning on AI tools, management and governance | SMEC AI, ARM Hub, ARAIN | | Technology demonstrations | Live showcases of AI and robotics applications | ARM Hub, DTA | | AI safety guidance | Frameworks, tools and resources for responsible AI deployment | elevenM (SAAM) | | Online self-service platforms | Digital resources accessible without booking | SMEC AI, elevenM (SAAM) | | AI-as-a-service (fee-based) | Cloud-based AI integration for advanced users | ARM Hub | | AI assurance software | Lifecycle guidance tool from ideation to continuous improvement | elevenM (SAAM) | The AI Adopt Program offers SMEs consultations, training and tools to support responsible AI development and use nationwide. The centres also connect SMEs to a broader ecosystem. The centres complement the National Artificial Intelligence Centre and participate in the Responsible AI Network. This means businesses accessing a centre also gain indirect access to NAIC resources — including the Guidance for AI Adoption (AI6 framework), editable AI policy templates, and the AI screening tool. (See our guide on *The National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC): What It Does and How to Use It* for a full breakdown of these resources.) --- ## Understanding NRF Sector Eligibility: The Critical Gateway The single most important eligibility requirement for accessing AI Adopt Centre services is operating within a **National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sector**. Many SMEs miss this requirement or misread whether their industry qualifies. The NRF has $15 billion to invest through direct loans, equity investments and loan guarantees across seven priority areas of the Australian economy: renewables and low emissions technologies; enabling capabilities; defence; transport; value-add in resources; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and medical science. For AI Adopt Centre purposes, the relevant sectors map as follows: 1. **Medical science** — therapeutics, medical devices, health IT, diagnostics 2. **Agriculture, forestry and fisheries** — agri-tech, food processing, precision farming 3. **Renewables and low emissions technologies** — clean energy, hydrogen, batteries, solar 4. **Enabling capabilities** — AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, semiconductors 5. **Defence** — defence technology manufacturing and capability 6. **Transport** — vehicles and components across road, rail, air, and marine 7. **Value-add in resources** — critical minerals processing, battery materials The Enabling Capabilities sector builds foundational technological and material capabilities that underpin modern industry across all sectors. As manufacturing moves to adopt new technologies, companies that provide support or products in advanced manufacturing tech, AI, biotech, quantum computing, robotics, sensing and space increase Australia's capabilities and enable the growth of new industries. **Practical implication:** The "Enabling Capabilities" category is the broadest and most flexible sector. An SME that develops or deploys AI, robotics, or advanced software may qualify under this category even if its primary market is not one of the other six sectors. This is a commonly overlooked eligibility pathway. AI Adopt Centres are now open to eligible small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors to help them adopt responsible AI-enabled services and enhance their businesses. For a sector-by-sector breakdown of how NRF priorities determine eligibility across the full AI funding landscape, see our guide on *AI Grants by Industry Sector: Which Australian Businesses Are Prioritised for Government Support*. --- ## How SME AI Adoption Data Justifies This Investment The government's rationale for the AI Adopt Program is grounded in measurable adoption gaps. Over one third of SMEs have adopted AI (NAIC, 2025) and, after adjusting for population size, Australia ranks third globally for consumer use of Claude, a popular AI tool (Appel et al., 2025). Yet headline adoption figures mask deep structural inequalities. Current adoption rates show a clear regional–metro divide: only 29% of regional organisations in Australia are adopting AI compared to 40% in metropolitan areas. Regional businesses also have a higher proportion (26%) that are not aware of AI opportunities (Fifth Quadrant, 2025). While most businesses have adopted AI to some extent, only 10 per cent report significant integration into their operations — indicating huge untapped potential for better-leveraging AI across business operations. The G7's 2025 SME AI Adoption Blueprint, released at Kananaskis, reinforces why targeted government intervention is necessary: adoption remains at a nascent or pilot stage for many companies, which experiment with AI tools but face hurdles embedding them into core operations, leaving productivity gains unrealised. At the ecosystem level, SMEs remain constrained by longstanding barriers, such as infrastructure gaps, limited access to talent, capital and capacity, and regulatory and governance uncertainty — conditions that slow their ability to experiment, scale, and integrate AI into core operations. The AI Adopt Centres are designed to address precisely these barriers through personalised, sector-specific, no-cost support. --- ## The Program's Place in the Broader AI Support Ecosystem The AI Adopt Program does not operate in isolation. To further align and strengthen government support for industry adoption, the government will bring the AI Adopt Program into the NAIC's remit. This integration signals that the centres will increasingly operate as delivery arms of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre rather than standalone programs. The AI Adopt Centres participate in the National Artificial Intelligence Centre's (NAIC) responsible AI network, which — along with the NAIC — is currently being moved into the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources from CSIRO. For SMEs that engage with a centre and want to deepen their governance practices, the NAIC's Guidance for AI Adoption (AI6 framework, released October 2025) provides the next layer of structured support. The AI Adopt Centres and NAIC resources are designed to work in sequence: centres provide the accessible 'front door' entry point, while NAIC resources support more advanced implementation. (See our guide on *How to Build a Responsible AI Policy for Your Australian Business* for the implementation detail.) For businesses that have outgrown the free support model and want to develop novel AI capabilities, the pathway leads to CRC programs, ARC Linkage Projects, and the Next Generation Graduates Program. (See our guide on *AI Funding for Research Commercialisation: CRC Programs, ARC Grants and University Partnerships*.) --- ## Key Takeaways - The AI Adopt Program is co-funded by $17 million in government grants over four years, providing up to half of each centre's eligible costs. Four centres were funded through a competitive process. - The centres provide free specialist services for eligible SMEs in NRF priority sectors, including training courses, one-on-one consultations and roadmaps, technology demonstrations, and AI safety guidance. - Each centre targets a specific NRF sector cluster: **SMEC AI** covers medical science, agriculture, renewables and enabling capabilities; **ARM Hub / Digital Transformation Australia** focuses on manufacturing; **elevenM (SAAM)** focuses on cross-sector AI governance and safety; and **ARAIN** serves regional SMEs in forestry, agriculture, fisheries and renewables. - Eligibility hinges on operating within one of the seven NRF priority sectors — with the broad "Enabling Capabilities" category providing a pathway for technology-focused SMEs that might not initially recognise themselves as eligible. - The government is bringing the AI Adopt Program into the NAIC's remit , deepening its integration with the broader national AI support ecosystem and ensuring continuity of services for SMEs. --- ## Conclusion The AI Adopt Program represents one of the most directly accessible and practically useful components of Australia's government AI support architecture. Unlike grant programs that require competitive applications, co-contributions, and lengthy approval processes, the AI Adopt Centres offer eligible SMEs immediate, no-cost access to expert consultations, training, and AI safety tools — with the only real barrier being sector alignment with the NRF priority areas. For SMEs operating in medical science, agriculture, manufacturing, renewables, enabling technologies, or regional industries, the question is not whether to engage with an AI Adopt Centre, but which centre to approach first. The answer depends on your sector, geography, and whether you need help adopting existing AI tools (SMEC AI, ARAIN), integrating AI into manufacturing (ARM Hub), or building a responsible AI governance framework (elevenM/SAAM). To place this program within the full landscape of Australian government AI support — including the $362 million in targeted research grants, the $47 million Next Generation Graduates Program, and the $39.9 million NAIC ecosystem investment — see our *Australian Government AI Strategy: The Complete Guide to Grants, Programs and Business Support*. For a step-by-step guide to navigating the broader grant application process, see *How to Apply for Australian Government AI Grants*. --- ## References - Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. "$17 Million to Boost AI Adoption by SMEs." *industry.gov.au*, December 2023. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/17-million-boost-ai-adoption-smes - Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. "Four New Centres to Help Australian Businesses Adopt AI." *industry.gov.au*, May 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/four-new-centres-help-australian-businesses-adopt-ai - Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. "Spread the Benefits." *National AI Plan*, December 2025. https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-ai-plan/spread-benefits - Australian Government. "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adopt Program." *business.gov.au*, 2024. https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/artificial-intelligence-ai-adopt-program - Australian Government. "AI Adopt Centres." *business.gov.au*, 2024. https://business.gov.au/expertise-and-advice/ai-adopt-centres - Australian Government. "AI Adopt Program Grant Recipients." *business.gov.au*, 2024. https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/artificial-intelligence-ai-adopt-program/grant-recipients - Australian Government. "Be Part of the AI Revolution with AI Adopt Centres." *industry.gov.au*, December 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/be-part-ai-revolution-ai-adopt-centres - National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. "Our Priority Areas." *nrf.gov.au*, 2023. https://www.nrf.gov.au/what-we-do/our-priority-areas - National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. "Insight Snapshot: What Are the NRFC's Priority Areas and Why Do They Matter?" *nrf.gov.au*, 2025. https://www.nrf.gov.au/news-and-media-releases/insight-snapshot-what-are-nrfcs-priority-areas-and-why-do-they-matter - elevenM. "elevenM to Lead Consortium Delivering AI Hub for Small Businesses." *elevenm.com.au*, May 2024. https://elevenm.com.au/blog/elevenm-to-lead-consortium-delivering-ai-hub-for-small-businesses/ - SMEC AI. "About SMEC AI." *smecai.au*, 2024. https://smecai.au/ - Bowen, M. "AI Adoption Centres Finally Unveiled." *InnovationAus*, May 2024. https://www.innovationaus.com/ai-adoption-centres-finally-unveiled/ - Australian Computer Society / Information Age. "AI Adopt Centres Unveiled to Help Australian Businesses." *ia.acs.org.au*, May 2024. https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/ai-adopt-centres-unveiled-to-help-australian-businesses.html - CPA Australia / INTHEBLACK. "AI for SMEs: Overcoming Cost and Integration Barriers." *intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au*, 2025. https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/technology/ai-for-smes-overcoming-cost-and-integration-barriers - G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministerial. "Statement on the SME AI Adoption Blueprint." *g7.utoronto.ca*, December 2025. https://www.g7.utoronto.ca/ict/2025-sme-ai-adoption-blueprint.html - GrantConnect. "Archived Grant Opportunity GO6491: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adopt Program." *grants.gov.au*, December 2023. https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=655fc725-cdb7-49bf-bc88-3d14940fc0c2