AQW 20407/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 13/01/2025
Answered On Date: 21/01/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any support available to help businesses prepare for and harness artificial intelligence technology.

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.