A free two-day AI accelerator in Cardiff will help Welsh small and medium-sized businesses develop practical artificial intelligence skills and explore how the technology can improve their operations.
The AI SME Accelerator: Zero to Hero in 48 Hours will take place on 12 and 13 November 2026, from 9am to 5pm each day, at the NatWest Accelerator Hub in Cardiff.
Delivered by Business Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government, the fully funded programme will provide hands-on training and one-to-one support from AI specialists, helping businesses move from understanding AI to testing practical applications within their own operations.
The workshop will be led by the Business Wales AI Programme team, alongside guest speakers and AI specialists.
The two-day programme will focus on:
- Day One – Awareness and Mapping: Understanding AI tools, responsible use, data protection and identifying opportunities to improve business productivity.
- Day Two – Adoption and Implementation: Testing AI tools, developing effective prompts, exploring practical business applications and creating an AI implementation plan.
Across eight sessions, participants will explore the capabilities of different AI tools, including free and paid options, and learn how to identify repetitive tasks and processes where AI could help save time.
The programme will also address data privacy, GDPR, ethical considerations and the importance of preparing business information for safe and effective AI adoption.
Attendees will have the opportunity to work directly with AI experts to develop and test a pilot solution tailored to a challenge within their own business.
The workshop will conclude with participants developing an action plan outlining their priorities and next steps for adopting AI.
The event is aimed at Welsh SME owners, managers and sole traders who can commit to both days of training. No previous technical knowledge is required, although participants should bring a laptop.
Attendance is free, with places limited to two delegates per business.
The event will take place at NatWest Accelerator Hub, Cardiff, CF10 3AQ.
Find out more about the Cardiff AI SME Accelerator: Zero to Hero in 48 Hours here.
