AI course for SME's

Across many SMEs, there exists a substantial gap in AI competencies at every organisational level. While the excitement around AI is palpable, many employees find it challenging to understand the fundamentals of the technology, how it operates, and which specific methods and tools are relevant to their work.

In particular, team members often struggle to distinguish between AI's theoretical potential and its practical applications. They know that AI can transform industries, but translating this vision into actionable steps for their own businesses is complex. This lack of clarity can lead to hesitation or stalled initiatives, where leaders and teams become stuck in a cycle of buzzwords and high-level discussions without concrete outcomes.

To bridge this gap, SMEs need targeted education and practical frameworks that demonstrate AI’s applications in real-world business contexts. Training programs, hands-on workshops, and accessible resources can empower employees to shift from a passive fascination with AI to an active, informed pursuit of solutions. The challenge is to demystify AI, building competence and confidence so that AI becomes a tool for problem-solving rather than an intimidating concept.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is responsible for delivering a Norwegian-language version of the highly regarded and free online course Elements of AI, developed by the University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn. This course, accessible at www.elementsofai.com, has been adapted to include a facilitated online format led by NTNU professors Casandra Grundstrom and Xiaomeng Su.

The course spans 15 hours over five interactive sessions, which blend lectures, group work, and discussions to enhance engagement and understanding. Between each session, participants are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours to self-study and complete the Elements of AI exercises, reinforcing key concepts and methods introduced in the sessions.

Upon completing the course, which takes approximately 5–6 weeks, participants receive a signed diploma from NTNU, recognising their accomplishment. This program not only provides foundational knowledge in AI but also cultivates practical skills, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to deepen their understanding and apply AI insights in their own contexts.

The course has generated substantial interest and media attention in Norway, attracting participants from diverse roles and all levels across various SMEs. Engagement has been remarkably high, with participants offering enthusiastic feedback. Many have expressed that, after years of attending various courses, this program finally allowed them to move beyond AI buzzwords and gain a deep understanding of the core methods behind the technology.

One participant shared, “After years of taking different courses, it was refreshing to finally go beyond the buzzwords and gain real insight into the different methods behind AI. Learning about neural networks was particularly exciting.”

This feedback highlights the course’s impact in delivering practical, applicable knowledge, empowering participants to grasp AI concepts in a way that feels relevant and actionable within their own roles and organisations.