The German states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, where the Hanover Mittelstand 4.0 Center of Excellence will coordinate the project, mark the beginning of the nationwide mission. Three specialists , funded by a grant from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), have been working here since July 1. The AI trainers not only act as contacts for interested companies, but also offer basic information events, training courses, and on-site visits, to develop efficiency-enhancing application scenarios for AI in collaboration with companies. In light of the shortage of skilled workers and high investment costs, many SMEs are still reluctant to use AI. However, according to a study commissioned by the BMWi, the technology could generate additional gross value added of up to €31.8 billion in the manufacturing sector alone.