Google Ireland and Bank of Ireland have launched a programme offering up to 10,000 fully funded Google AI Professional Certificate scholarships to eligible Irish SMEs. The initiative is designed to help businesses develop practical AI capabilities that can be applied to everyday operations, supporting workforce productivity and digital transformation.

According to EdTech Innovation Hub, the scholarships are available through the Grow with Google programme and provide funded access to the Google AI Professional Certificate on Coursera. The online course is designed for non-technical professionals and can be completed asynchronously at each learner's own pace.

The programme includes seven courses, more than 20 practical activities and 90 days of extended access to Google AI Pro at no cost. Eligible participants also receive a digital toolkit intended to help automate routine activities such as invoicing, administration and business correspondence after completing the training.

Vanessa Hartley, VP, EMEA LCS and Head of Google Ireland, said: “We’re launching this partnership to provide Irish businesses with the practical skills they need to integrate AI directly into their daily operations.”

The curriculum is aimed at business owners and employees without coding or computer science experience. According to the programme information, learners are introduced to AI fundamentals before progressing to practical applications covering research, writing, communication, data analysis, content creation and app building using conversational language rather than technical instruction.

The training also introduces workplace tools including Deep Research, NotebookLM and Gemini in Google Sheets, alongside practical exercises designed to support reporting, planning, analysis and repetitive administrative tasks. The final module introduces app building for non-technical users, enabling participants to develop simple workflow tools without writing code.

Registration is open to eligible Bank of Ireland SME customers, with the scholarship covering the full cost of the Google AI Professional Certificate. According to the programme information, participants who complete all seven courses receive a Google certificate and retain Google AI Pro access for three months to apply their learning within their organisations.