"Dare to Use AI" Plan: 35.000 companies made aware in one year, 1.000 assessments announced

One year after its launch, the government's "Dare to Use AI" plan claims to have raised awareness among more than 35.000 businesses thanks to 615 ambassadors. The government now aims to accelerate the operational deployment of artificial intelligence in SMEs and mid-sized companies, notably through 1.000 AI Data Diagnostics.

Gathered on September 3, 2026, at Bercy by Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, the stakeholders involved in the "Dare to Use AI" plan reviewed its first year. The initiative is now entering a new phase, more focused on providing operational support to businesses.

Key figures from the "Dare to Use AI" plan

More than 35.000 companies have been made aware of the issue since July 2025.

615 AI Ambassadors spread across 20 regions and communities

88 listed solution providers for SMEs and mid-sized companies

70 AI-powered Data Diagnostics already committed

1.000 diagnostics need to be deployed in the next stage

A plan structured around awareness, training and support

Launched on July 1, 2025, as part of the national strategy for artificial intelligence, the "Dare to Use AI" plan aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies by French companies. It is based on three pillars: raising awareness among executives, training professionals, and supporting companies in their initial projects.

According to the report presented by the Government, the adoption rate of artificial intelligence by businesses has tripled in two years. However, the targets set for 2030 remain ambitious: to achieve a 100% adoption rate among large companies, 80% in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies, and 50% in very small businesses.

The next phase of the plan must therefore enable the transition from the discovery of artificial intelligence to the implementation of concrete projects. It notably includes the intensification of field activities, the enrichment of online resources, the launch of new cohorts of AI Accelerators, and the deployment of 1.000 AI Data Diagnostics.

A network of 615 AI Ambassadors

The AI Ambassadors network is the plan's main territorial and sectoral link. Its members are selected for their practical knowledge of artificial intelligence and their presence within local economic ecosystems.

Following the addition of 45 new members announced in June 2026, the network now comprises 615 ambassadors. It covers 20 regions and communities, including overseas territories, as well as 13 sectors of activity.

These ambassadors helped raise awareness among more than 35.000 businesses during the plan's first year. They also participate in the development and distribution of sector-specific tools, particularly in transport, logistics, and trade. A new round of applications is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.

88 listed solution providers for SMEs and mid-sized companies

The Directorate General for Enterprises and Hub France IA have also compiled a catalogue of suppliers with a European base offering solutions adapted to SMEs and mid-sized companies.

Presented at the VivaTech trade show, this catalogue currently lists 88 companies. According to the Government, the selected solutions are mature enough to be deployed in organizations with an intermediate level of digital maturity and limited internal expertise in artificial intelligence.

Its development must continue in order to help companies more easily identify tools that match their business, size and technical capabilities.

Bpifrance's support services are set to scale up.

Bpifrance is implementing two schemes co-financed by France 2030. The first, called "Diagnostic Data IA", is aimed at SMEs and mid-sized companies with 10 to 2.000 employees.

This eight-person-day service aims to identify available data, select relevant use cases, and assess the potential of an artificial intelligence project. Its cost is covered up to 40% by France 2030. As of the date of the review, 70 assessments had been initiated.

The second initiative is based on "AI Accelerators." This 18-month program combines a 360-degree assessment, including a section dedicated to artificial intelligence, advanced modules, group training sessions, and networking opportunities for participating companies. France 2030 finances 46% of its projects.

Two tracks are offered in 2026: the AI Accelerator and the AI & Industry Accelerator. New cohorts are expected to launch as part of the next phase of the plan.

A platform showcasing 54 use cases

Launched in June 2026, the "Accelerate with AI" platform brings together deployment examples across various business sectors and functions, accompanied by testimonials from executives. It currently features 54 use cases.

Its enhancement should help make the professional applications of artificial intelligence more concrete for companies that are still hesitant. The challenge lies particularly in demonstrating the conditions for deploying solutions, going beyond simply presenting their functionalities.

“Since the implementation of the Dare to Use AI plan, the momentum of artificial intelligence adoption in French companies has been confirmed. This result is primarily due to the leaders who dared to take the plunge, and to all those who support them on a daily basis: ambassadors, Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Regional Directorates for Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs (DREETS), Bpifrance experts, France Num, and solution providers. Our course for the coming year is clear: to move from awareness to action, to reach out to companies that still believe AI is not for them, and to ensure that this transformation benefits everyone,” declared Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.