Twelve founders from earlier cohorts on what the eight weeks actually changed. About a minute each, filmed after they finished.
“I would highly recommend SMEC AI to others that are curious to know more about the program. It's definitely helped me to get my clarity around the idea… Without SMEC AI, I will not be able to get to this stage.”
“The best thing about the SMEC AI Pathfinder program is… being a part of the network and the community. These people that are operating the Pathfinder program are industry veterans… So it's been a very effective network, not just a program to be a part of.”
“The SMEC AI Pathfinder program was a unique combination of expertise and networking. The part that I found most valuable was connecting with other founders that are facing the same challenges… because starting a business can be very lonely.”
“The Pathfinder program is a highly structured environment to stress test my business idea and my operational model… I find this program to be highly valuable, and I highly recommend this for any startup founder or any new business that are venturing into the AI space.”
“It's that neutral platform where they teach you all the basics, they help you, they guide you… in a world of noise, it's just cutting through the noise and helping us with intentional adoption of AI.”
“The SMEC Pathfinder program teaches the basics you need to know to do a startup. For myself though I found the most valuable part is the feeling of a connection… I feel a lot more connected with the startup community.”
“The work they do around in the background to get us all in one platform or connect us over meetings and workshops, or even after finishing the Pathfinder program, the connection that we have found with the SMEC AI team is great.”
“The program is incredible… early startup people, it can be a bit overwhelming and it can feel daunting and people feel lost in that process, so having this structure is a really important thing to do for the startup entrepreneurs community.”
“It's been extremely valuable in deciding whether… I was gonna become an entrepreneur or a startup founder at the time. And SMEC gave me that understanding because it put me in a community with other like-minded individuals who were also trying to build something for themselves.”
“The Pathfinder program was really great because to be an early adopter of AI, I think you need to have a bit of curiosity about the technology… they were available to meet your curiosity and bring forward some ideas and really encourage you along the way.”
Justin McGee Odger
Founder, Deedable
“They've created a third space for people to come together to share ideas, and propel their dreams forward. In an increasingly technology-driven world, we have less and less third spaces where we can come together where we're not thinking about outcomes or KPIs.”
Victoria Ross
Public relations & communications
What you get
Nine things every founder takes away.
Mentors
Australia's most experienced AI program leaders.
Delivered by
Amir Nissen & Andrew Lai
Head of Programs & Managing Director
Partner perks
Up to$15,000
In partner credits, including
Interactive workshops
Learn with a cohort of peers through breakout rooms, immersive exercises, and an engaged community.
Founder community
Find customers, partners, future employees, and make long-lasting friendships.
Office hours
Drop in every Friday to sit down and discuss the pressing challenges you are trying to overcome.
Personalised feedback
Get personalised feedback on your venture as you develop it.
Investment opportunities
Pitch to investors and explore avenues for funding.
Post program support
Connect to our network of experts to continue growing your venture.
Ecosystem
Support from one of Australia's official AI Adopt centres, venture capital, technical leaders and more.
Who is this for?
The SMEC AI Pathfinder program is for people and teams who want to solve problems with AI.
