From AI Curiosity to Practical Adoption in Irish SMEs
Applied AI for SMEs · MTU Ireland & AgriTech Ireland
The Challenge
High Interest, Fragmented Adoption
MTU Ireland & AgriTech Ireland, in collaboration with Zero to 100, partnered to support Irish SMEs in building practical, business-ready AI capabilities. The cohort brought together leaders and managers from manufacturing, agritech, professional services, technology, and research, many of whom were already experimenting with AI tools but lacked clarity on where to apply AI, how to do so safely, and how to translate experimentation into real productivity gains.
- AI usage limited to isolated tasks (emails, research, drafting)
- Uncertainty about where AI delivers real value
- Lack of confidence around errors, reliability, and responsible use
- Limited time and budget to explore tools systematically
- No shared language or framework to guide AI decisions
The Approach
From AI Awareness to Real Application
The Applied AI for SMEs programme was designed as a hands-on learning journey, guiding participants from AI awareness to real application in just three focused masterclasses.
Programme Structure
- Pre-programme AI Skills Gap Analysis
Benchmarked readiness and tailored content to participant needs
- 1. Building AI Capability
Participants developed a shared foundation across AI fundamentals, the AI Capability Stack, and five core AI skills (prompting, tools, responsible use, data, and co-intelligence)
- 2. Innovating with AI
Using structured innovation methods, participants explored how AI could reshape existing processes, generate new ideas, and support experimentation
- 3. A Winning Strategy for AI Deployment
Participants translated insights into action by defining where to play, how to win with AI, and what capabilities and management systems were required to move forward
Results
The Results
From 'Trying Tools' to 'Scaling AI Responsibly'
By the end of the programme, participants reported tangible outcomes and a clear path forward for AI adoption in their organisations.
The practical application of AI tools during sessions was incredibly valuable.
I learned how AI agents and workflows could be applied safely in my business.
This programme helped me move from 'trying tools' to 'building a foundation to scale AI responsibly.'
Connecting AI experimentation to broader business strategy was the key insight for me.
The practical application of AI tools during sessions was incredibly valuable.
I learned how AI agents and workflows could be applied safely in my business.
This programme helped me move from 'trying tools' to 'building a foundation to scale AI responsibly.'
Connecting AI experimentation to broader business strategy was the key insight for me.
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