How will Boost AI create practical AI tools for SMEs?

In many innovation projects, “tools” are promised as key outputs. In practice, these often turn into reports, guidelines, or case studies. While useful, they rarely lead to lasting, practical impact for businesses. 

BoostAI takes a different approach. 

We are designing tools that SMEs can use - not just during the project, but long after it ends. Our ambition is simple: to create tools that remain relevant and widely used five years from now. 

What do we mean by “tools”? 

Like traditional tools such as hammers or spanners, effective innovation tools share a few essential characteristics. They must: 

  • Have a clear purpose: addressing a specific AI-related challenge  

  • Deliver a defined impact: enabling SMEs to take concrete action  

  • Be well-structured: ensuring the tool leads to real outcomes  

But for tools to achieve widespread adoption and real business impact, this alone is not enough. 

What makes Boost AI tools different? 

Our tools are designed to be: 

  • Practicable – easy to access and apply in real business contexts  

  • User-centred – built for non-experts, not AI specialists  

  • Demand-led – responding to real needs identified by SMEs  

  • Progressive – supporting SMEs at different stages of AI adoption  

  • Expert-supported – combining tools with guidance from Boost AI experts  

This approach ensures that SMEs are not only informed about AI, but are also empowered to use it effectively and confidently. 

Our four tool areas 

BoostAI is currently developing four complementary sets of tools: 

  1. Self-assessment 
    Helping SMEs understand where they stand and where to start with AI  

  2. AI Literacy 
    Supporting compliance with requirements under the EU AI Act  

  3. Risk 
    Addressing challenges related to data protection and security  

  4. Opportunity 
    Helping SMEs identify and implement AI solutions aligned with their business needs  

These tools will first be tested in pilot activities this year, before being rolled out to 120 SMEs in 2027. 

Example: AI self-assessment Tool 

Our self-assessment tool illustrates this approach in practice. It is designed to: 

  • Respond to SME demand for clear, safe starting points in AI  

  • Provide a clear understanding of current AI readiness  

  • Identify practical next steps for improvement  

  • Use a user-friendly format that builds confidence  

  • Apply best practices in AI maturity assessment  

  • Be supported by expert guidance to translate insights into action  

  • Connect to other tools (literacy, risk, opportunity) as SMEs progress  

  • Be accessible online and locally, across all Boost AI regions  

 

As we develop our other tools, we will follow this example to ensure the tools work and are durable. 

Looking ahead 

We are now preparing for the pilot phase and look forward to working closely with SMEs and stakeholders. Their feedback will be essential in refining and strengthening these tools over time. 


by Andrew Thomson, Project Manager.


Boost AI Kick-off in Den Bosch (NL)