Small businesses across the country will be helped to boost their productivity and efficiency through AI tools set to be trialled - from tech that predicts potholes before they form, to AI models that help farmers make their dairy cows produce greater yields.
Announced on 14 January, the 120 projects will receive a share of £7 million in UK Government funding, enabling them to test AI tech that could give a boost to a whole range of businesses: from agriculture, to transport, to construction and more.
The support announced is focused on how AI could help smaller companies tackle pressing challenges to their businesses, and how researchers can use this tech to take on everyday problems we all live with.
The funding forms part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund, with the support being delivered by the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme.
The announcement builds on the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which sets out the Government’s vision to ramp up the adoption of AI right across the economy.
AI projects across various sectors are being backed. These include:
Agriculture: AI models that may help farmers optimise yields, such as increasing dairy production from cows or protecting strawberry crops.
Roads: How an AI tool could predict potholes before they form, reducing road repair costs and preventing vehicle damage.
Bakery: How AI could be used to predict sales and forecast how much of each product needs to be made each day to cut food waste and protect profit margins.
Building maintenance: Trialling an AI model that can anticipate mould growth in properties, so they can be handled to avoid health and safety concerns.
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