Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible for thousands of Australian businesses with the official opening of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre.
The launch took place during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Sydney, marking a key event in the Australian Government’s AI Month celebrations.
The ARM Hub, founded by Professor Cori Stewart, aims to provide a “front door” to expertise, support, and services that will foster AI-driven growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Many businesses feel uncertain about where to start with AI,” Professor Stewart explained.
“The common barriers include a lack of data readiness, a skills gap, or simply not knowing which AI applications are relevant to their business. The Centre offers access to practical solutions to help businesses move forward with AI.”
Professor Stewart anticipates that the Centre will engage with up to 30,000 SMEs over the next three years on their digital transformation journeys.
She emphasised the importance of the Centre in helping Australia’s SMEs—comprising 96 per cent of all industry—scale their innovation and retain it within the country.
The professor said SMEs using the Centre will be tapping into expertise from internationals Microsoft and Databricks, as well as local AI SMEs Data and Knowledge Enterprise and Raytracer.
“Australian industry is ready to invest in AI and robotics to boost productivity and competitiveness. We’ve designed this Centre to provide practical pathways to de-risk the adoption and use of AI and Generative AI, enabling businesses to leverage this fast-moving technology.”
Research indicates that AI and automation are expected to enhance Australia’s productivity by up to 15 per cent.
“The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is here to make businesses better using the benefits of AI and Generative AI. Our collaboration of 28 partners includes AI and robotics experts across Australia, which ensures we are delivering the best skillsets into all corners of the country,” Professor Stewart explained.
Key features of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre include practical guidance for SMEs, a collaborative industry-led network, and a focus on ethical and safe AI practices to promote sustainable business growth.
In May this year, the Australian Government announced the establishment of four centres under its AI Adopt Program, designed to facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by SMEs.
The ARM Hub AI Adopt partners are here.
