The EU AI Act is set to reshape the way companies develop and deploy AI-powered solutions in Europe.  While it entered into force on 1 August 2024, it will be fully applicable from 2 August 2026. Obligations pertaining ensuring sufficient level of AI literacy in company staff and banning certain prohibited AI practices have already entered into force on 2 February 2025.

The AI Act has a particular focus on SMEs, with provisions that are tailored to those companies and that include, e.g., regulatory sandboxes – frameworks to test AI innovation outside normal regulatory structures – ad-hoc documentation on conformity assessments and training on compliance; proportionate approach to compliance, for example with obligations for model providers commensurate to the type of provider.

For small businesses, understanding the measures of the AI Act tailored to them and preparing for compliance is important to minimize costs.

The webinar was designed specifically to provide pragmatic advice for digital SMEs looking to deal with AI Act compliance requirements efficiently. Expert speakers broke down the key provisions of the AI Act,  the compliance steps required, as well as supporting measures for SMEs. By attending this webinar, companies learned about practical steps and tools  to meet relevant obligations under the AI Act.