AI Adopt Program: Complete Guide for Australian Businesses 2026
The Australian Government's AI Adopt program helps small and medium businesses integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. This guide covers eligibility, application process, and how to maximize your funding for AI training and implementation.
- Australian-registered business with ABN
- Annual turnover AUD $200K–$100M
- Fewer than 200 employees
- First-time AI Adopt applicant
- Willing to co-invest 50%
- Register on the AI Adopt portal
- Complete the eligibility self-assessment
- Select an approved AI provider
- Submit project proposal with budget
- Receive approval notification (4-6 weeks)
- Complete project milestones
- Submit completion report with evidence
- Receive reimbursement within 30 days
What Is the AI Adopt Program?
AI Adopt is an Australian Government initiative designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt AI technologies. The program provides matched funding for businesses to work with approved AI consultants and training providers to implement AI solutions.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for AI Adopt funding, your business must:
- Be registered and operating in Australia
- Have an annual turnover between AUD $200,000 and AUD $100 million
- Employ fewer than 200 people
- Not have previously received AI Adopt funding
- Be willing to co-invest in the AI adoption project
How Much Funding Is Available?
The program provides up to AUD $20,000 in matched funding, meaning you contribute 50% and the government covers the remaining 50%. This can be used for:
- AI readiness assessments
- AI strategy development
- Staff training and upskilling
- Pilot project implementation
- AI governance framework development
How to Apply
- Check eligibility — Ensure your business meets all criteria on the program website
- Identify your AI opportunity — Determine which area of your business would benefit most from AI
- Select an approved provider — Choose a registered AI consultant or training provider (Pertama Partners is an approved provider)
- Submit your application — Complete the online application form with your project plan
- Receive approval — Typical processing time is 4-6 weeks
- Begin your project — Work with your chosen provider to implement AI solutions
- Submit completion report — Provide evidence of project outcomes to receive final payment
How Pertama Partners Can Help
As an approved AI Adopt provider, Pertama Partners offers tailored programs that maximize your funding:
- AI Readiness Audit — Comprehensive assessment of your AI maturity and opportunities
- Executive AI Workshop — One-day intensive training for leadership teams
- AI Strategy Development — Custom roadmap aligned with your business goals
- Team Training — Practical AI skills training for your workforce
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. AI Adopt funding can be used for AI training and upskilling, including executive workshops, team bootcamps, and AI strategy sessions — as long as they are delivered by an approved provider.
Projects must be completed within 6 months of approval. Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Yes. The program supports businesses at all stages of AI adoption, from initial exploration to expanding existing AI capabilities.
- •AI Readiness Audit
- •Executive AI Workshop
- •AI Strategy Development
- •Team AI Bootcamp
- •AI Governance Framework
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