Turn Curious People Into
AI Champions
Hartz AI helps UK SMEs build internal AI capability by training and supporting AI champions inside your organisation, so momentum does not depend on one external consultant or one enthusiastic leader.
Our AI champion programs combine training, coaching, and practical projects to help your people lead day to day AI adoption in a way that fits your culture and goals.
Is An AI Champion Program The Right Move?
AI champion programs are usually the right step if:
- You want AI capability that lives inside your organisation, not only in external partners.
- You already have some AI activity and now need people to coordinate, guide, and support it.
- You want AI adoption to feel safe, supported, and joined up across teams.
- You can name people who are curious and willing to learn, even if they are not technical experts.
If your teams are still very new to AI, you might start with broader AI training and then invite the most engaged people into a champion program.
Start with AI training insteadWe support AI champions in SMEs across sport, charities, professional services, education, and real estate in the UK.
What We Mean By "AI Champion Programs"
AI champion programs are structured journeys for people inside your organisation who are willing to help others use AI well. They are not technical experts by default. They are trusted colleagues who bridge the gap between tools, teams, and leadership.
At Hartz AI, AI champion programs usually combine:
- Structured training on AI concepts, tools, and responsible use.
- Coaching and support to help champions apply learning in their context.
- Practical projects that create visible wins for their teams.
- Simple frameworks for sharing what works and guiding others safely.
The aim is to create a network of capable, confident people who can keep AI work moving between formal projects.
Discuss an AI champion cohortWho AI Champion Programs Are For
AI champion programs are a good fit for organisations that:
- Have more than one team or function beginning to use AI.
- Want to reduce the risk of scattered, unmanaged AI experiments.
- Prefer to grow internal capability rather than rely only on external partners.
- Care about culture and want AI adoption to feel safe and supportive, not forced.
If you are still working out basic AI direction or governance, it may be better to start with consultancy or initial implementation projects and introduce champions once there is more clarity.
Main Types Of AI Champion Programs
Champion programs are tailored to your size, structure, and goals, but most fall into a few clear patterns. Here are the main ways we run AI champion work with SMEs.
Cross Functional Champion Cohorts
A group of champions from across the organisation who learn together, share practice, and support AI adoption in their teams.
- Shared curriculum with space for sector and role specific examples.
- Regular sessions and check ins to keep momentum.
- Simple frameworks champions can take back to their teams.
Function Specific Champion Tracks
Programs designed for champions in a particular function, such as operations, customer service, or HR.
- Use cases and examples tailored to a specific function.
- Closer alignment with function level priorities and metrics.
- Clear expectations for how champions support their colleagues.
Train The Trainer Style Programs
Programs where a smaller group of champions are trained to deliver AI sessions and guidance to others across the organisation.
- Session plans and materials champions can use and adapt.
- Support on facilitation and handling questions or concerns.
- Ongoing check ins to review what is working and adjust.
How AI Champion Programs Fit With Training, Consultancy And Implementation
AI champions sit at the point where learning, strategy, and implementation need to be translated into everyday behaviour. They help keep AI grounded and human.
STEP 1
Learn And Explore
Use AI training to help a wide group of people understand what AI is, what it can do, and what it means for them.
AI TrainingSTEP 2
Decide And Design
Use AI consultancy to clarify strategy, governance, and priority areas for AI across the organisation.
AI ConsultancySTEP 3
Implement And Prove
Use AI implementation projects to build and roll out workflows, tools, and automations with real teams.
AI ImplementationSTEP 4
Embed And Sustain
Use AI champion programs to embed good practice, spot new opportunities, and keep AI work aligned with culture and goals.
AI Champion ProgramsWhat Organisations Gain From AI Champion Programs
AI champions help move AI from something that is "done to" people to something that is done with them. They turn AI from a project into part of everyday practice.
- Internal capability that grows over time, rather than dependence on external experts.
- Better adoption because people can ask questions and get help from colleagues they trust.
- Stronger governance as champions help spot and escalate risks or issues early.
- Ongoing innovation as champions surface new ideas and patterns from day to day work.
Is An AI Champion Program The Right Next Step?
Champion programs are usually the right move if:
- You have started some AI training or projects and want to maintain momentum.
- You can identify people who are respected, curious, and willing to experiment.
- You want AI to be part of how people work, not just something leaders talk about.
- You are ready to invest time in those people, not only in tools.
If you are still deciding where AI fits at all, we can start with consultancy or training and introduce champions later once there is a clearer direction.
Common Questions About AI Champion Programs With Hartz AI
These questions cover how we think about champions, how programs are structured, and what it feels like for people taking part.
Do AI champions need to be technical experts?
No. Champions need to be curious, patient, and trusted more than they need to be technical. We teach them enough about AI and the tools you use so they can guide others, spot issues, and know when to ask for help.
How many champions do we need?
It depends on your size and structure. Some organisations start with one small cross functional cohort of 6 to 12 people. Others run several function specific tracks. We will work with you to design something that feels realistic and useful, not tokenistic.
How do AI champion programs connect with governance and risk?
Champions are often the people who spot risks, questions, or patterns first. We build basic governance and escalation into programs so they know how to respond when something looks off, and how to support safe, responsible use of AI day to day.
Learn about governance and consultancyCan champions help with bespoke AI solutions and implementation?
Yes. Champions can be powerful partners during implementation and bespoke projects, because they understand both the work on the ground and the aims of the project. They help explain changes, gather feedback, and make sure systems land well with colleagues.
Ready To Grow AI Champions Inside Your Organisation?
If you want AI adoption to feel human, safe, and sustainable, investing in the right people is as important as investing in the right tools. We can help you design an AI champion program that fits your organisation, your sector, and your goals.
