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The Year of AI initiative will give SMEs a glimpse into the underbelly of artificial intelligence
20.05. 2026
The“Yearof AI 2026” project organized by AMSP CR is a year-long initiative that brings small and medium-sized companies, entrepreneurs and associations practical use of artificial intelligence without complex technical language. In cooperation with EDIH CTU and the Enterprise Europe Network, it connects education, expert advice and testing of technologies in real conditions. The aim is to increase the efficiency of companies, accelerate the adoption of AI and show concrete benefits in everyday operations – from marketing to production.
Why tackle AI now
According to AMSP CR research for the Year of AI 2026 initiative, the main barrier to the introduction of AI in enterprises is not the technology itself, but the “operational trap”. Businesses spend most of their time on day-to-day operations, administration and operational tasks. This often leaves them with no room to innovate, even though the right AI tools would significantly save their company time and costs. Most companies are familiar with AI, but don’t know how to use it specifically in their processes, which is why there is a growing demand for practical demonstrations and real solutions on the ground.
Risk-free technology testing
The EDIH CTU plays a key role in the project, allowing companies to safely verify the benefits of digital technologies before the investment itself. With the “Test Before Invest” approach, companies can test AI solutions in areas such as Industry 4.0, IoT, manufacturing, energy or robotics, reducing the risks associated with digital transformation.
What the Year of AI 2026 will bring
The program offers a series of hands-on events focused on the immediate applicability of AI in business:
- June 3, 2026 – Tech Dating 2026 (CIIRC CTU, Prague)
A large expert “open-door” event connecting companies with research organizations and technology partners (CTU, EDIH CTU, RICAIP, CzechInvest and others). The format combines consultations, matchmaking and practical demonstrations of solutions. There will also be a representative of the Enterprise Europe Network, which offers advice to companies in the field of digitalization and innovation. - June 4, 2026 – Webinar: AI in Facebook advertising
A practical training focused on the use of AI in marketing, from creating ad texts, to generating visuals, to simplifying work in the Meta Ad Manager. Suitable for users without technical knowledge. - Jun 11, 2026 – Google Digital Garage: AI Skills for SMEs
An introductory hands-on webinar focused on basic AI tools and how they can be used in SMEs. A clear introduction to the topic without technical jargon. - 6/16/2026 – Webinar: AI in manufacturing
Training focused on the use of artificial intelligence in industry, for example for process automation, production optimization or increasing operational efficiency. - 19 Jun 2026 – AI University: Keep up in AI
A regular monthly webinar providing an overview of the most important innovations in AI, their impact on business and specific recommendations for SMEs. - 7/14/2026 – Google Digital Garage (continued)
A follow-up webinar for beginners and more advanced users, focusing on the practical use of AI tools in everyday business.
Registration for the seminars and other news about planned events can be found here: the Year of AI 2026 | AMSP.
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