AQW 20407/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any support available to help businesses prepare for and harness artificial intelligence technology.
Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 13 January 2025
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 13 January 2025
- Answer due by
- 28 January 2025
- Answered
- 21 January 20258 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
My Department, in collaboration with Invest NI, has dedicated teams focused on maximizing the potential of AI and digital technologies. Invest NI has funding available to support adopting digital technologies through initiatives such as the Agri-Food Investment Initiative, along with grants for R&D, Technical Development Incentive and help to access alternative funding through Innovate UK.
The City and Growth Deals investments and initiatives also offer access to funding, such as the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) which is funded through the Executive’s Complementary Fund.
The AI Collaboration Centre (AICC) provides assistance to SMEs in AI adoption, including AI training programmes. In partnership with my Department, the AICC is delivering 390 postgraduate scholarships in AI-related courses offered by Ulster University and Queen's University.