SMEs in the NRF verticals
with an idea for using AI to solve an industry problem.
Launch your AI venture
in 8 weeks.
Eight Wednesday nights, funded by the Federal Government. Cohort 5 has started. Applications for this cohort are closed.
Last updated 21 October 2026.
In their words
Founders who have been through it.
Twelve founders from earlier cohorts on what the eight weeks actually changed. About a minute each, filmed after they finished.
What you get
Nine things every founder takes away.
Mentors
Australia's most experienced AI program leaders.
Delivered byAmir 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.
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.
Domain experts
who want to change their field for the better.
Key dates
Eight workshops. Eight weeks.
Every Wednesday, 7:30 to 9:00pm AEDT. Online via Zoom and interactive, with recordings available for every workshop.
- 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
Do things that don't scale.
- Workshop 4 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Distribution.
- Workshop 5 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Your most important metrics.
- Workshop 6 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Building with AI.
- Workshop 7 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Fundraising part 1.
- Workshop 8 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Fundraising part 2.
About applying
How Cohort 6 interest works.
- 01Cohort 5 started 21 October 2026. That intake is closed.
- 02Register interest for Cohort 6 on the contact form.
- 03We email when the next intake opens.