Microsoft-IMDA’s ‘QuickStart’ programme funds enterprises to deploy AI
Microsoft has launched the AI QuickStart programme, supported by IMDA and UOB, to assist enterprises in deploying AI solutions in education and manufacturing. The programme targets Digital Leaders, offering funding of up to $20,000 for projects completed within three months. Solutions can be customized using large language models with responsible AI safeguards. The initiative aims to enhance public-private partnerships to scale AI adoption among non-ICT enterprises, as highlighted by Josephine Teo and Johnson Poh in their statements.
AI QuickStart is designed for digital leaders in education and manufacturing with 3-month LLM solutions.
Microsoft has launched the AI QuickStart programme to help enterprises deploy artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in areas including knowledge mining, customer engagement, operations automation, content creation, and conversational analytics.
The programme targets Digital Leaders, defined by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) as non-ICT enterprises that have already started investing in digital capabilities and can sustain digital transformation efforts, according to a Microsoft press release.
The programme is supported by IMDA and United Overseas Bank (UOB).
Projects are designed to be completed within three months at a cost of up to $20,000, covering cloud and compute resources as well as professional services.
Curated AI solutions can be customised using large language model (LLM)-based architectures with responsible AI safeguards.
Eligible enterprises may receive funding support from IMDA and UOB, the press release stated.
Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, launched the programme alongside Microsoft, IMDA, UOB, and industry partners.
“Public-private partnerships are key to helping enterprises scale AI. Our collaboration with Microsoft expands access for Digital Leaders to develop and deploy AI solutions,” said Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive at IMDA, in a press statement,
Enterprises such as At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy and BRC have used Microsoft AI tools to automate workflows and reduce manual tasks, according to Microsoft.
