Practical support
We design our programs around practical, actionable insights you can implement in your business today.
Launch your AI venture in 8 weeks.
Eight Thursday nights. A cohort of twenty founders. A proven curriculum that takes you from idea to first customers. Funded by the Federal Government.
Program overview
AI Pathfinder is a free AI development program.
It is for first-time founders and founding teams, whether you have an existing idea or are starting from scratch. Over the course of 8 weeks, you will use frameworks and tactics to help you avoid the common first-time founder pitfalls and transform your idea into a fast-growth venture. Our next cohort is open to eligible founders and SMEs based in Australia.
Funded program
Funded by the Australian Government, AI Pathfinder is free and focused on new SME AI ventures.
What you get
Six things every founder takes away.
- 01
Interactive workshops
Learn with a cohort of peers through breakout rooms, immersive exercises, and an engaged community.
- 02
Founder community
Find customers, partners, future employees, and make long-lasting friendships.
- 03
Office hours
Sit down and discuss the pressing challenges you are trying to overcome.
- 04
Personalised feedback
Get personalised feedback on your venture as you develop it.
- 05
Investment opportunities
Pitch to investors and explore avenues for funding.
- 06
Post program support
Connect to our network of experts to continue growing your venture.
Who is this for?
The SMEC AI Pathfinder program is for people and teams who want to solve problems with AI.
SMEs in the NRF verticals
with an idea for using AI to solve an industry problem.
AI startups
who have launched within the last 12 months and could use some guidance.
Software engineers / developers
looking to get an AI project off the ground.
Entrepreneurs / AI enthusiasts
who need a little push.
Students
who want to get into AI and learn by doing.
Key dates
Eight workshops. Eight weeks.
Every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:00pm AEST. Online via Zoom and interactive, recordings available for every workshop except week 1.
- Workshop 1 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Intro, meet your cohort, and the #1 thing for new ventures.
- Workshop 2 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Making something people want.
- Workshop 3 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Customer development.
- Workshop 4 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Doing things that don't scale.
- Workshop 5 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Your most important metrics.
- Workshop 6 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Minimum viable products and your version 1.
- Workshop 7 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Pivot or proceed.
- Workshop 8 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Fundraising and pitching.
About applying
How the application works.
- 01If you want to apply, please submit your application online before COB Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
- 02You may receive a call from us in case we need to clarify anything in your application.
- 03Successful applicants will receive notification via email with further instructions on the program, including links to join the AI Pathfinder founder community.
- 04We will let you know within 5 business days whether or not your application was successful.
- 05At this point in time, we will not be able to go into details as to why your application was unsuccessful.
Applications close Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Apply NowNot sure if AI is right for your business?
That is exactly the kind of question SMEC AI exists to help you answer. Tell us what you are working on and one of our advisors will get back to you. There is nothing to pay and no commitment required.
Tell us about your business.
A few details is all we need to get back to you with the right next step.