AIML Industrial AI SME Grant Program: How South Australian SMEs Can Get Machine Learning Expertise.

Many South Australian businesses know AI could help them, but lack the in-house machine learning skills to start. The Industrial AI SME Grant Program closes that gap: instead of cash, it gives eligible small and medium enterprises access to machine learning engineers at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML).

Read the official program page and guidelines here: Industrial AI SME Grant Program (Program 3), Australian Institute for Machine Learning.

What is the Industrial AI SME Grant Program?

The program is Program 3 of AIML's Industrial AI Program. AIML sits within the University of Adelaide, and the Industrial AI program is supported by the South Australian Government through the Department of State Development's Research and Innovation Fund.

The program runs until December 2028, and there is no fixed closing date. Applications are reviewed at quarterly meetings, and applicants are told the outcome within two weeks of each meeting.

Two pathways: AI Road Map and ML Innovate

After an initial discussion, AIML directs each business to one of two streams.

AI Road Map Program. This suits businesses that want to adopt AI but have a basic or intermediate understanding of machine learning. An AIML engineer analyses the company's processes, goals, data and technology, then produces a tailored road map covering opportunities, a data strategy, use cases, an implementation plan (including "potential partnerships or vendor engagements") and risks.

ML Innovate Program. This suits businesses with a clearly defined machine learning use case, such as a manufacturer using computer vision to detect product defects. AIML engineers work with the business to design, develop and deploy an AI system, and project IP is transferred to the applicant on completion.

Who can apply?

According to the program guidelines, applicants should meet these criteria:

• An organisation made up of one or more legal entities (not a person), incorporated or established in Australia.
• A small or medium enterprise with fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees.
• Registered and operating in South Australia, shown by a physical premises in South Australia and more than 50% of staff employed in South Australia.
• Able to enter into a legally binding agreement with the University of Adelaide.
• Sufficient data and infrastructure for AIML engineers to build and train models, with written permission for AIML to access that data.
• Commitment from executive leadership, including staff time with the right domain expertise and a cash or in-kind contribution proportional to the level of support requested.

Businesses that have previously received state government funded AIML engineering support must show the outcome of the earlier engagement, justify the new one, and make a 1:1 financial contribution.

What does it cost?

The support is in-kind engineering time, not cash. Applicants contribute cash or in-kind resources proportional to the support requested, and AIML notes that matched funding will be reviewed favourably for large projects.

How applications are assessed

Every applicant must answer yes to five essential questions: fewer than 200 FTE, operating in South Australia, a signed executive letter of support, written permission for AIML to access the project data, and the capability to sign a contract with the University of Adelaide.

ML Innovate applications are then scored on technology readiness, data quality, in-house expertise, and funding and vision beyond the engagement, with at least 10 of 20 points needed on each. Successful applicants sign a University of Adelaide contract and must use the support within six months of approval unless agreed otherwise.

How to apply

The first step is a confidential discussion with AIML. After a preliminary meeting and due diligence, AIML either directs the business to the AI Road Map online application, invites it to workshop an ML Innovate application, or advises that the request is unsuccessful. Contact details and the full guidelines are on the official AIML program page.

How StepSharp helps South Australian SMEs make the most of AI

The guidelines make it clear that AI only delivers value when a business is ready for it and keeps it running. Applicants need usable data and infrastructure, and ML Innovate applicants must show how they will maintain and improve the AI solution after deployment, for example by "committing to outsourcing the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the AI models."

StepSharp is an Adelaide software, AI and automation company that implements AI, ERP, MES and IoT systems. We help South Australian businesses:

• Get their data ready by connecting ERP, MES and IoT sensors so production and operations data is captured cleanly and consistently.
• Turn an AI road map into working systems by integrating models with existing software and shop-floor processes.
• Keep AI solutions running with ongoing monitoring, maintenance and enhancement after deployment.

If you're a South Australian SME exploring AI and want to talk about your data, systems or implementation plan, contact StepSharp.