La Trobe University has launched a pilot AI Business Studio aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) identify and adopt practical and responsible uses of artificial intelligence, with the university targeting support for more than 1,000 businesses during 2027 and 2028.
According to La Trobe, the initiative has been developed through the La Trobe AI Institute and is led by the La Trobe Business School.
In a news release, the university said the program is designed to help participating businesses assess their data, technology and workforce readiness, identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvements, and develop recommendations to improve productivity and client outcomes.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said many SMEs had recognised the potential benefits of AI but required support to implement the technology.
“We’ve heard from small businesses across our campus network, from Melbourne to Mildura, that they see the exciting opportunities AI offers, but they need help getting there,” Professor Farrell said.
“Through our new AI Business Studio, our aim is to support more than 1,000 SMEs over 2027 and 2028 to adopt AI, whether that’s in helping them assess their data, technology and workforce readiness; identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvement or develop practical recommendations to improve productivity and client outcomes.”
The university said the program aligns with the Australian Government’s National AI Plan, which identifies responsible AI adoption and workforce capability as key priorities for improving business productivity and competitiveness, particularly among SMEs and regional enterprises.
Alongside business support, the AI Business Studio will provide students with practical industry experience. The pilot, which began in July with 21 Business School students, will see supervised student teams work with partner organisations over a 10-week period after completing an AI Boot Camp.
Students will provide AI-related services and recommendations based on defined business challenges while gaining experience in applying AI in commercial settings.
Third-year Business student Anna Skoog Ahlqvist, who will work with Melbourne-based AI consultancy Insurgence during the pilot, said the program would help her develop practical skills.
“I’m interested in AI because of its endless possibilities. Having studied both with and without AI, I’ve seen how it can improve efficiency, support research and help generate ideas while still requiring critical thinking. I hope to develop practical AI skills and to learn how to use AI effectively in a business environment,” she said.
Insurgence Managing Director Matteo Castiello said students could play an important role in supporting SMEs as they adopt AI.
“Students are actually the best placed people to help small and medium businesses navigate the shift to AI,” Castiello said.
“They’re AI-native, they’re curious and through the AI Business Studio they’ll build skills that go well beyond the tech: understanding how a business really works, communicating with real stakeholders and turning that knowledge into solutions that deliver real value.”
La Trobe Business School Dean Professor Colin Higgins said the initiative was intended to provide students with practical experience alongside technical skills.
“AI and the jobs of the future rest on students having real-life, hands-on experience with business leaning into new digital and AI opportunities,” Professor Higgins said.
AI Institute Director Patricia Haueiss said the university planned to expand the program across more disciplines, enabling additional students to gain industry experience while providing businesses with an accessible entry point into AI.
“Our responsibility is not simply to adopt new technologies, but to help ensure they are used ethically, responsibly and in ways that deliver meaningful benefits for people, industries and communities,” Haueiss said.
The AI Business Studio forms part of La Trobe University’s broader AI strategy, which includes the launch of the La Trobe AI Institute and expanded AI-focused teaching, research and industry partnerships.
According to the university, the Institute was officially launched during its Industry Innovation Series event, showcasing AI applications across sectors including energy, agriculture, digital platforms and facility services.
