Second year funding has been announced for a national programme helping Scottish companies capitalise on the benefits of AI.

AI Scotland will help small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment. It is backed by £1.8 million of continued funding.

The Programme offers support such as mentoring, workshops and grant funding to help businesses identify AI opportunities, plan AI implementation and develop and test AI solutions tailored to their needs.

This builds on last year’s National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs which received funding of £1 million and helped more than 1,000 business.

On a visit to Border Biscuits in Lanark, Innovation Minister Ben Macpherson said:

“Ensuring our businesses have the skills to identify appropriate AI opportunities – and adopt new technologies safely and in line with Fair Work principles – will help drive sustainable growth across the economy and futureproof Scotland's businesses.

“The vast majority of Scottish businesses are SMEs. The continuation of this programme means that even more of them will have access to the tools and expertise they need to help grow, innovate and flourish.”