// INDUSTRY INSIGHT //

Lowering the AI barriers

Platforms like LaunchLemonade aim to address this gap by enabling SMEs to build, deploy and even monetise their own AI agents without hiring technical teams. Users can create intelligent copilots and automations that integrate directly into their workflows, from sales and marketing to operations and finance.

The underlying philosophy is simple: the people closest to the problem should be able to build the solution.

By lowering the barriers to entry, these platforms help close the AI literacy gap and ensure innovation is not confined to those with coding skills or deep pockets.

This approach also fosters a more diverse AI ecosystem. When businesses of different sizes and backgrounds can create AI, the resulting tools are more likely to reflect a wider range of needs, values and perspectives.

A shared responsibility

Democratising AI creation is not the responsibility of one group alone.

Policymakers must ensure funding and regulation support SME access and experimentation. Technology providers must prioritise usability, affordability and transparency. And SMEs themselves must be willing to invest time in learning and adopting new tools.

Everyone has a role in working towards a significant end goal: a more inclusive, innovative and resilient economy where AI works for all businesses, not just the biggest players.

The question is no longer whether AI will transform business, but who will benefit from that transformation. If SMEs are empowered to become the creators, not just the consumers, AI has the potential to level the playing field rather than entrench existing divides.

The future of work and growth may depend on it. �

THE NEXT PHASE OF THE AI REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE DEFINED BY WHO CAN BUILD THE BIGGEST MODEL OR INVEST THE MOST CAPITAL, BUT BY WHO CAN ACCESS, SHAPE AND OWN AI TOOLS THAT SOLVE INDIVIDUALS’ UNIQUE CHALLENGES.

Intelligent SME. tech

37