LightUp Launches 'AI Step-Up Training' to Cultivate AI Talent in Local SMEs

LightUp Launches 'AI Step-Up Training'

LightUp Inc. (Stock Code: 6580) has recently announced the launch of its new training program, 'AI Step-Up Training,' aimed specifically at local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program is designed to cultivate AI talent within these businesses in just three months. It uniquely combines a systematic step-by-step curriculum comprised of 12 courses for AI beginners with tailored tutoring support from AI agents.

Challenges Faced by Local SMEs

Many local SMEs confront significant structural challenges, creating barriers to effective AI adoption. This is not merely an issue of knowledge gaps; it stems from environmental limitations, an information divide, and a lack of accessible consultation. Especially in rural areas, many business owners experience various cognitive biases that hinder their ability to integrate AI into their operations.

Key Cognitive Biases

1. Stereotype Bias: Many local business owners perceive AI as inherently complex, thinking, "We can’t achieve that level of sophistication" or "I’m not tech-savvy enough." However, once they attempt to use AI, they often realize it is simpler than they anticipated.

2. Status Quo Bias: Local businesses prioritize immediate operations, leading to a mindset of, "We don't need AI right now." This approach may limit their potential productivity and widen the gap with more tech-forward competitors.

3. Anchoring Bias: Business owners often believe, "I'm not good with technology, so AI is out of my reach." Yet, participants in training programs, like the ones held in Shimane Prefecture, demonstrated that all could learn AI operations with basic support.

4. Loss Aversion Bias: There is a cautionary approach to investing in training due to fear of failure. Even though the risk of inaction is often underestimated, the cost of remaining stagnant is significant, impacting productivity and overall stress levels for business leaders.

Real-World Examples

During training sessions conducted by LightUp in Shimane Prefecture, participants expressed worries such as:

- "I was anxious even about creating a ChatGPT ID."
- "Without someone to consult, I don’t even know what I don’t know."
- "I understand the need for AI, but I can't take the first step."

These reflections highlight a unique isolation that local businesses face—their leaders often deal with these challenges solo while their employees remain unaware of how to utilize AI, causing stagnation in the organizational pace.

Detail of the AI Step-Up Training Program

The 'AI Step-Up Training' program is crafted specifically for the realities of local SMEs and is structured around four main pillars:
1. Personalized Tutoring with AI: Participants receive call-out support tailored to their understanding, allowing them to clarify their doubts in real-time.
2. Beginner-Friendly Curriculum: The program includes a series of 12 courses that build incrementally—starting from ID creation to crafting proposals—ensuring an accessible learning experience.
3. Practical, Relevant Assignments: The focus of the program is on real-world tasks, such as writing emails and creating presentations, that are directly relevant to local business operations.
4. Diverse Video Library: The training features hundreds of videos tailored to different job roles (sales, HR, finance, marketing), facilitating application across various functionalities.

Expected Benefits

- Business leaders, equipped with AI skills, can alleviate the stress of waiting for instructions.
- Employees will see improvement in their work velocity, potentially reducing task completion time by 30-50%.
- The establishment of a valuable in-house 'AI asset portfolio,' including proposal templates and AI prompts.
- The program can be executed online, making it accessible for local enterprises.

Future Prospects

LightUp is committed to the vision of making every local SME profitable. The company continues to address the pressing shortage of AI talent in rural businesses, focusing on developing innovative solutions, including AI agents, packages, and training modules. By fostering an environment where all SMEs can evolve into AI-capable organizations, LightUp aims to bridge the gap between rural enterprises and technological advancement.

For more information on this transformative training program, please visit LightUp.