Digital Planning has launched its Agentic AI Pilot Fund, committing £50,000 to help 10 East Midlands businesses introduce practical AI automation.
Supported by the East Midlands Chamber, the fund will provide up to £5,000 of fully funded AI implementation support per business. It is aimed at organisations ready to move beyond AI experimentation and demonstrate the value of automation by solving a specific operational challenge.
The launch has already attracted strong interest since the fund webpage went live and is featured in the latest edition of the East Midlands Chamber magazine.
Who can apply
Businesses must meet the following criteria:
- £1 million+ turnover or 25+ employees
- A repetitive manual process that could save £50,000 a year through automation
- A reasonable view of what the current process costs in time and money
- Access to the systems and data on which the workflow runs
Supporting practical AI adoption
The fund builds on Digital Planning’s role as strategic partner of East Midlands Chamber, formalised last December, to support members with digital transformation and AI adoption.
Managing director Mark Underwood said: “Once leaders have a working automation solving a real problem, without a leap of faith on cost or risk, we’re confident in the return businesses will see.”
Successful applicants will see a working AI system built inside its business, tackling one defined problem, before deciding whether to invest further. In return, participating businesses will agree to share the pilot as a case study.
The launch follows research Digital Planning presented at the Chamber’s People and Skills Conference in June, which found many businesses are held back by uncertainty over where to start with AI, or fear of investing in something they don’t understand.
Applications for Round 1 close on 25 September 2026, with places awarded based on potential business impact.
