Bank of Ireland and Google are offering up to 10,000 fully funded AI training scholarships to Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a new initiative aimed at boosting digital skills and preparing businesses for upcoming EU regulations.
The program, launched under the SME AI Academy on the ThinkBusiness platform, provides free access to Google’s AI Professional Certificate—a program designed for busy SMEs with no prior technical experience. The training requires under 10 hours of total learning time, delivered in flexible one-hour modules through Coursera.
Participants will complete 20 hands-on projects, gaining practical skills such as “vibe coding”, which allows users to build applications using natural language rather than traditional programming. The course also includes three months of extended access to Google AI Pro, enabling continued experimentation and adoption.
The scholarships are part of a broader effort to help Irish SMEs work through the EU AI Act, which comes into effect on August 2. The regulations apply to businesses of all sizes, increasing the need for compliance awareness and responsible AI deployment.
Derek McDermott, director of Everyday Lending at Bank of Ireland, emphasized the importance of accessible tools for SMEs. “SMEs need accessible, user-friendly tools to build their AI capability and confidence. By providing up to 10,000 Google AI scholarships we can ensure practical and impactful AI support for our SME customers to really boost their business,” he said.
The SME AI Academy also includes expert guides, case studies, and resources from businesses already integrating AI into their operations. Vanessa Hartley, head of Google Ireland, highlighted the role of SMEs in Ireland’s economy. “Their success will be critical to ensuring Ireland thrives in the AI era. At Google, we’ve been supporting Irish SMEs with digital skills for more than 20 years and we are committed to helping businesses build the AI skills they need to continue to succeed.”
The SME AI Academy is now live on ThinkBusiness.ie, and SMEs can apply for the AI scholarship here. Top image: Bank of Ireland chief marketing officer Laura Lynch; head of Google Ireland Vanessa Hartley; Alex Buckley, Business Development Administrator, McNally Family Farm; Karen Stolberg, vice-president of Google Customer Solutions for the UK and Ireland; and Derek McDermott, director of Everyday Lending at Bank of Ireland 👉 No tech background needed to bring your business into the AI age! Secure your scholarship to complete the certification at no cost. Apply now and get started!
The EU AI Act introduces strict rules on AI development, including risk assessments and transparency requirements. For SMEs, compliance may require additional training in ethical AI use and regulatory frameworks.
