Funding

Funding an AI project as an SME in 2026

An AI project almost never gets funded by a single scheme. Three levers, each on a distinct target, and the SME's cost drops sharply.

SJ.CO

Think by target, not by scheme

The audit: where AI creates value. Funded by Bpifrance.
The training: upskilling your teams. Funded by the OPCO.
The rollout: deploying the use cases. Supported by the Region.
SJ.CO
The audit

Bpifrance's Diag Data IA

~€7,500
Out-of-pocket cost

After co-funding, for a diagnostic lasting around 10 days.

10 days
Over 3 months

Scoping, data, use cases, roadmap.

You
Choose the expert

The company names the accredited expert directly.

SJ.CO
The training

Your OPCO funds the upskilling

Covered for the most part, sometimes in full, depending on headcount. The certification is held by the provider, not you. Bonus: this also meets the AI literacy requirement imposed by the AI Act since February 2025.

SJ.CO
Traps

Outdated schemes to stop citing

France Num €500 voucher: closed since 2021.
Director training tax credit: repealed in 2026.
CII tax credit: rate is 20% (not 30%), and it funds innovation, not adoption.
SJ.CO
The path

Three schemes that chain together

1. Audit
Diag Data IA · Bpifrance
2. Training
Training plan · OPCO
3. Rollout
Digital transformation · Region / France Num
saint-jean.co
Application support built into delivery
SJ.CO