Struggles persist for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in managing costs and acquiring necessary skills for artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

Struggles persist for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in managing costs and acquiring necessary skills for artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

In a significant push towards digital transformation, organizations like Akamai Technologies are leading the charge to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) more accessible for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses, often facing financial constraints and digital skills challenges, are being offered a helping hand by democratizing AI experimentation within their ecosystem.

Akamai, for instance, has developed an internal AI sandbox, allowing teams to experiment freely with AI models and discover practical applications without the need for restrictive oversight. This approach encourages innovation and lowers barriers to adopting AI solutions, making it more approachable for MSMEs.

Similar efforts are underway by companies like Google, which are supporting MSMEs by providing open-source AI tools and APIs tailored to sector-specific needs. Google's launch of the AMED API for the Indian agriculture sector is a prime example, aiming to empower ecosystems that support productivity and resilience with accessible AI tools and localized data.

However, the broader challenge for MSMEs extends beyond just AI adoption. Fragmented AI implementation and a lack of digital skills pose significant barriers. Recognizing this, organizations like Akamai and Dell Technologies India emphasize integrating AI with cloud, data engineering, and security solutions to build long-term, scalable AI capabilities. This approach is vital for MSMEs to overcome legacy infrastructure and skill gaps while building enterprise-wide AI maturity for a competitive advantage.

A recent survey reveals that 65% of MSMEs believe that AI can significantly improve their business operations. Encouragingly, organizations such as Foundation and Akamai Technologies are making efforts to make AI more accessible, aiming to help MSMEs overcome the cost barriers associated with AI. The AI market for MSMEs is expected to grow at a rate of 25% annually over the next five years, driven by the increasing demand for automation and personalized customer experiences.

The survey also shows that 77% of MSMEs are willing to invest in AI if it can provide a competitive edge. In response, organizations like Foundation and Akamai Technologies have launched initiatives to provide affordable AI solutions for MSMEs. Some MSMEs are partnering with technology providers to co-create AI solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Notably, MSMEs are adapting by using tools like chatbots and Jasper AI for marketing and customer service. Jasper AI is being used beyond these functions, too, for tasks like data analysis. However, a study conducted in June 2025 found that 41% of MSMEs still face challenges with the implementation of AI.

To address these challenges, these organizations also focus on providing training and support to help MSMEs develop the digital skills needed for AI. A June 2025 study found that 59% of MSMEs face challenges with the cost and digital skills required for AI. By enabling more businesses to join the AI revolution, these initiatives aim to level the playing field and empower MSMEs to compete in the digital age.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being democratized to benefit small-businesses and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) by organizations like Akamai Technologies, easing the financial and digital skills challenges they face. The company has developed an AI sandbox, enabling teams to experiment with AI models.

Google is equally committed to assisting MSMEs by offering sector-specific AI tools and APIs, such as the AMED API for the Indian agriculture sector.

To address the broader challenges of fragmented AI implementation and digital skills gaps, organizations like Akamai and Dell Technologies India are integrating AI with cloud, data engineering, and security solutions for long-term, scalable AI capabilities.

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