La Trobe University has launched a pilot AI Business Studio, giving small and medium-sized businesses practical support to adopt AI responsibly while equipping students with real-world AI experience.

Developed through the La Trobe AI Institute and led by the La Trobe Business School, the initiative is designed to help businesses assess their AI readiness, identify automation opportunities and improve productivity through practical AI implementation. The program also supports key objectives of the Australian Government’s National AI Plan by encouraging responsible AI adoption and building workforce capability.

Initially launching as a pilot with 21 Business School students, the AI Business Studio combines an AI boot camp with a ten-week industry project, where students work with businesses to solve real operational challenges. La Trobe plans to support more than 1,000 SMEs during 2027 and 2028 as the program expands.

La Trobe vice-chancellor Professor Theo Farrell says the University developed the initiative after hearing from businesses seeking practical guidance on AI adoption.

“We’ve heard from small businesses across our campus network, from Melbourne to Mildura, that they see the exciting opportunities AI offers, but they need help getting there.”

“Through the AI Business Studio, we aim to support more than 1,000 SMEs over 2027 and 2028 to adopt AI, whether that’s in helping them assess their data, technology and workforce readiness; identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvement or develop practical recommendations to improve productivity and client outcomes.”

Alongside supporting businesses, the Studio aims to prepare students for an AI-enabled workforce by giving them hands-on consulting experience before graduation.

Third-year business student Anna Skoog Ahlqvist, who is participating in the pilot, says the opportunity would help build practical AI skills.

“I’m interested in AI because of its endless possibilities. Having studied both with and without AI, I’ve seen how it can improve efficiency, support research and help generate ideas while still requiring critical thinking,” she says.

“I hope to develop practical AI skills and to learn how to use AI effectively in a business environment.”

Insurgence managing director Matteo Castiello says students are well placed to help businesses navigate AI adoption.

“Students are actually the best placed people to help small and medium businesses navigate the shift to AI,” he explains.

“They’re AI-native, they’re curious and through the AI Business Studio they’ll build skills that go well beyond the tech: Understanding how a business really works, communicating with real stakeholders and turning that knowledge into solutions that deliver real value.”

The initiative forms part of La Trobe’s broader AI-first strategy, with the University also launching its new AI Institute to strengthen research, industry collaboration and responsible AI adoption across multiple sectors.