Through a collaboration between Bank of Ireland and Google, Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can access up to 10,000 fully-funded scholarships for AI training. This program, launched on ThinkBusiness, seeks to enhance AI readiness and ensure compliance with upcoming EU regulations, while supporting digital skill development across the sector.
The scholarships will give Bank of Ireland SME customers free access to the Google AI Professional Certificate through the Grow with Google programme. Derek McDermott, director of Everyday Lending at Bank of Ireland, said SMEs need accessible tools to build their AI capability and confidence.
Supporting Irish Businesses
The SME AI Academy on ThinkBusiness features practical guides, expert resources, and case studies from businesses already integrating AI into their operations. Vanessa Hartley, head of Google Ireland, said small and medium-sized businesses are fundamental to Ireland’s economy, creating jobs and driving innovation.
These businesses will benefit from new AI supports that help them build capabilities and prepare for regulations, including compliance obligations under the EU AI Act. The EU AI Act applies to businesses of all sizes, and SMEs are under increasing pressure to understand compliance requirements and responsibly deploy their AI.
Google AI Professional Certificate
The Google AI professional certificate, delivered via the online platform Coursera, has been designed for busy SMEs. The course requires under 10 hours of total learning commitment, delivered in manageable one-hour modules through a flexible, self-paced format. Learners complete 20 hands-on projects, leaving the course with a tangible digital toolkit tailored to their specific business.
Participants will also receive three months’ extended access to Google AI Pro, supporting continued experimentation and adoption. The training introduces teams to new abilities, such as building apps using simple conversational English rather than complex software code.
The SME AI Academy is now live, and SMEs can apply for the AI scholarship. The partnership between Bank of Ireland and Google aims to make AI training more accessible, helping up to 10,000 SMEs gain practical skills and confidence to adopt AI, boost productivity, and unlock new opportunities for growth. They will provide SMEs with the necessary tools to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
Leave a Reply