With the opening of the first workshops of the "SME AI Accelerator" in Munich, Bavaria is sending a strong signal for the practical use of Artificial Intelligence in the SME sector. Digital Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring opened the initiative together with representatives from business and technology.

Support for SMEs in the rapid implementation of specific AI applications

The AI workshop is part of the European "SME AI Accelerator" initiative, launched by OpenAI together with the SME association BVMW and Booking.com. The goal is to facilitate entry into AI applications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – focusing on specific use cases, rapid implementation, and measurable results.

As part of the workshops, companies develop practical solutions – from more efficient business processes to improved customer communication and new digital business models. The SME sector is particularly well-suited, as many companies have a very precise understanding of their processes and customer needs, said Johannes Foertsch, Head of SME at OpenAI in Germany.

The BVMW also sees great potential: AI can enable innovation and efficiency gains, thereby strengthening competitiveness in the long term. Interest in digital competencies and AI applications is growing across sectors, as Booking.com emphasizes.

The initiative is complemented by the Bavarian program "AI Transfer Plus," which specifically promotes the transfer of AI technologies from research to SMEs. Companies are supported in identifying specific application possibilities and quickly integrating new technologies into their business processes.