AI Accelerator Programme
for Manufacturing Companies
Transform Your Business with Our 10-Week Hybrid AI Accelerator Programme
Applications are now open
Starting October 1st 2025
Experience AI in action.
Build real solutions.
Accelerate your adoption.
Up to 80% funding available.
Speak directly with our Director of AI to discuss your options.
What You’ll Leave With
A working AI demonstrator aligned with their operations, paired with a structured use case brief to support future deployment.
Guidance on integrating AI within existing ERP and data systems.
Access to industry-specific use cases, demos, and prototypes, highlighting tangible opportunities for business transformation.
Expert guidance on governance, risk, and compliance - including EU AI Act requirements.
Insights into scaling AI across operations.
Support for all stages on your AI journey
This programme is CPD accredited
by Engineers Ireland.
10-week Programme Structure:
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Explore how AI is transforming every sector. Understand your organisation’s AI maturity and where the biggest value opportunities lie.
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You will have one-on-one sessions with our tech team to explore your data, assess its potential, and begin identifying potential AI-driven use cases.
You’ll also be introduced to AI-powered no-code tools like Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, or AutoML platforms to help validate and structure your data effectively. -
Identify and prioritise the best use cases for AI in your business. Build the case for value and impact.
Experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT and AutoML platforms to quickly prototype your top use case ideas. -
Learn how AI fits into your existing systems — including ERP platforms. Explore data workflows and integration strategies to ensure smooth deployment.
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Your people are the key to AI adoption. Get your team ready with tools for leadership, communication, and cultural change.
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You’re not alone. Tap into Ireland’s AI ecosystem, research partners, and sector clusters to accelerate progress.
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Build trust with AI. Learn how to design and deploy AI systems that are ethical, compliant, and transparent.
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Move from pilot to production. Learn what it takes to scale AI across teams, sites, and systems.
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Design your AI pilot with confidence. Build a practical, cost-aware roadmap for proving impact and winning support.
Learn how to use cost-effective tools like AutoML, no-code builders, and lightweight POC templates to reduce barriers and move fast. -
Set the course for your AI journey. Build your transformation roadmap and align your leadership team around it.
Post Accelerator Support
AI POC (Proof of Concept)
Ideal for organisations ready to build on their accelerator experience.
This focused technical engagement helps validate a specific AI opportunity in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between concept and implementation before full-scale investment.
What you’ll gain:
- Evidence-based validation of AI effectiveness
- Quantifiable risk reduction before implementation
- Business case with ROI modelling to support internal approval
Key Features:
Open to Manufacturing
All subsectors
Designed for diversity – inclusive across industries.
AI Transformation Focus
Strategy | Data | Leadership | Change Management
Tackling the core pillars of AI readiness.
Cross-Industry Cohorts
Collaborative learning
Foster meaningful connections and shared insights.
Sector-Specific Depth
Optional modules & case studies
Dive deeper where it matters most.
Hybrid Delivery
In-person + virtual access
Flexible, inclusive, and modern learning model.
Outcome-Oriented
Rapid value creation
Built for Irish enterprises ready to move.
FAQs
What is the AI Accelerator Programme?
The AI Accelerator Programme is a 10-week hybrid initiative designed for manufacturers in Ireland. It provides a structured pathway from AI strategy to deployment, helping companies understand, adopt, and scale AI effectively.
The curriculum covers:
AI strategy and data governance
Enterprise integration and change management
Hands-on prototyping with National AI Studio demonstrators
Responsible AI and the EU AI Act
Partnerships, scaling, and multi-site rollout
The programme concludes with final presentations, certification, and a 12-month AI transformation roadmap.
Who is the programme for?
Open to manufacturing companies of all sizes and sub-sectors in Ireland. There are no strict prerequisites, but impact is greatest when leadership is committed to AI adoption. Each company is allocated two spaces. We recommend that a business leader and a person responsible for the hands-on delivery of any prospective projects participate in the programme.
It is possible for a company to enroll multiple teams in the programme, taking a departmental approach to strengthen their overall AI strategy and roadmap. Please note that additional costs will apply for extra team allocations.
What outcomes can participants expect?
By the end of the programme, participating companies will have:
Delivery of working demonstrator based on your company’s use case and data.
Exposure to industry-specific use-cases, example demos and prototypes, revealing real business opportunities.
A 12-month practical roadmap for AI adoption aligned to leadership priorities.
Guidance on responsible AI, governance, and compliance with the EU AI Act as they scale.
What funding is available?
Funding is available through:
Enterprise Ireland: Up to 80% funding for SMEs.
Support for larger client companies.
This makes the programme highly accessible for companies of all sizes.
What do participants receive at the end of the programme?
Participants will receive:
A certificate of completion (CPD accredited).
A customised 12-month AI roadmap.
Practical experience with AI demonstrators.
Strategic and technical insights to accelerate adoption within their organisation.
How do I register?
Complete the Register your Interest form to book a 1-1 call with our Director of AI to chat through your opportunities. Otherwise, you can email us with any further questions to aistudio@aimcentre.ie
When does the programme begin?
The next programme begins on 1st October 2025.
Spaces are limited – early registration is strongly encouraged.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme runs one day per week over 10 weeks, using a hybrid format:
In-person sessions at AIM Centre, Sligo, plus a site visit to your company.
Virtual sessions to support flexible participation.
A full schedule with dates, venues, and logistics is shared after registration.
Who delivers the programme?
The programme is produced by the National AI Studio for Manufacturing at AIM Centre, with delivery by industry experts and academic partners. Sessions are led by AI strategists, data governance specialists, change management consultants, and legal advisors on the EU AI Act. In addition, guest speakers from industry and research provide further insight and perspectives.
Do I need to prepare anything before the programme starts?
Companies will have a 1-1 call with our Director of AI to help identify potential use cases and ensure they have access to relevant data samples or internal champions ahead of the programme commencing.
Is the programme accredited?
Yes. The AI Accelerator Programme is CPD Accredited by Engineers Ireland, ensuring recognition of its professional development value.
Can the content be tailored to my industry?
Yes. While the core curriculum covers cross-industry topics, case studies and discussions often focus on sector-specific challenges. Optional breakout sessions may be organised to explore subsector needs such as pharmaceuticals, medtech, engineering or food production.
How can I find out if this programme is right for my company?
You can book a one-to-one call with our team to discuss your company’s needs and ensure the programme aligns with your AI ambitions.
What happens after the programme?
The Accelerator is designed as the first stage in a longer transformation journey. Once the 10 weeks are complete, we will work with you to develop Proof of Value projects that demonstrate AI in action within your business.
As part of this next step, AIM and CeADAR (Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI) collaborate to support participating companies, ensuring you have access to both practical industry expertise and cutting-edge research. Working within this network provides companies with access to support under the De-Minimis Aid mechanisms.
We can also connect you with trusted AI consultants, who can be engaged as required to accelerate delivery.
This creates a clear chain of progression: from strategy and skills to proof of value, and on towards full-scale deployment.
