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OpenAI has a new program to help SMEs get the most out of AI
OpenAI has partnered with Booking.com to roll out a new initiative aimed at helping 20,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe adopt and effectively use artificial intelligence in their business operations.
The co-developed initiative, called the SME AI Accelerator, will provide free, practical AI training focused on real-world use cases that demonstrate how AI can improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. The program is designed to make AI more accessible to smaller businesses that often lack the resources or expertise to deploy advanced technologies.
Training will be delivered through a mix of formats. Part of the program will be available via the OpenAI Academy, mirroring similar upskilling efforts launched in the United States. In addition, in-person workshops and virtual learning sessions will be organised to reinforce hands-on learning and application.
At launch, the SME AI Accelerator will be available in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, with more details on dates, locations, and local partner organisations expected to be announced in the coming months.
The initiative responds to a significant gap in AI adoption across Europe’s business landscape. According to Eurostat data cited in the announcement, while 55% of large enterprises used AI in 2025, only 17% of SMEs had adopted the technology. This gap is particularly important given that SMEs account for 99% of all businesses in Europe, highlighting the scale of opportunity for AI-driven growth.
Despite this disparity, Europe’s overall AI performance remains strong globally, with the region reportedly using 17% more advanced AI reasoning capabilities than the global average.
Commenting on the partnership, James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com, said that AI is rapidly transforming industries and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. He emphasised that building a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem in Europe is essential to ensuring businesses of all sizes can benefit from this transformation.
The Europe-focused SME AI Accelerator is part of a broader EU Economic Blueprint 2.0, which also includes plans to support research into youth safety and wellbeing, as well as initiatives to provide European governments with structured access to OpenAI technologies.
The program signals a growing push to close the AI adoption gap and equip Europe’s small businesses with the tools needed to compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
