What Monash Businesses Should Know About AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate, manage efficiency, and plan for the future. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Monash area, AI is no longer a distant idea, instead becoming part of daily operations and decision-making. This update outlines current AI developments, local activity within Monash, and what businesses should be preparing for over the coming months.

This month’s (Oct 2025) update covers:

• Key AI trends Australian small businesses are adopting

• Local developments in the Monash innovation network

• Practical use cases businesses can explore

• What to watch and how to prepare for upcoming change

  
  

Australia-wide AI for SMEs: where we are in 2025

Across Australia, more small businesses are using AI to improve operations, marketing, and administration. Recent analysis shows that around 35% of SMEs already use AI tools, with many others planning to adopt them by 2026. The AI market serving small businesses is growing rapidly, projected to reach over AUD 20 billion by 2030.

Common applications include:

• Automating routine administrative work such as invoicing and data entry

• Streamlining marketing and customer communication

• Using data for forecasting and inventory management

• Reducing errors through AI-assisted document processing

  
  

Challenges remain. Many small businesses cite limited technical knowledge, perceived high costs, and privacy concerns as barriers. Education and support programs are becoming available to help address these issues through the National AI Centre, an initiative from the federal government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Recent AI events in Monash

Monash continues to develop into one of Victoria’s most active centres for research and innovation. Several organisations and events are helping local businesses understand how AI can support their work.

The Monash Precinct Network (MPN) connects businesses, researchers, and government agencies to share resources and develop partnerships  On 17 September 2025, the MPN hosted 'Future Frontiers: AI Across Industries' at the ANSTO Synchrotron in Clayton. The event featured Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy, Director of the Monash AI Institute, and a panel discussing how AI is being applied across sectors such as health, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Monash AI Institute: who they are and what they do

The Monash AI Institute is one of Australia’s largest academic teams focused on AI research and education. It connects industry with university expertise to build practical applications and address key challenges in ethics and data governance. Its work spans areas such as healthcare analytics, digital modelling, and responsible AI frameworks.

The Institute has hosted events including ‘Generative AI: Exploring Research Agendas’ and AIMday ‘Maths and AI Meet Industry’, where local organisations can bring real business challenges to researchers.

City of Monash and Ramona Roach: AI without the hype

On 10 September 2025, the Monash Women’s Business Network hosted ‘AI Without the Hype’, presented by Ramona Roach from Ethika Group. The session gave small business owners examples of practical tools to simplify daily operations, manage compliance, and reduce repetitive workloads. Events like this help bridge the gap between academic discussions and business implementation.

City of Monash – Upcoming AI for SEO Workshop

On 23 October 2025, the City of Monash are hosting a practical workshop dedicated to helping business owners ensure their content appears in AI-powered search results. With an evolving SEO landscape, traditional website traffic is declining due to zero-click searches on search engines.

Cases your business can explore (now and on the horizon)

Many AI applications are straightforward to introduce and deliver clear returns. The table below outlines examples of how SMEs can use AI effectively:

Use Case	Complexity / Scale	Benefits	Examples
Automated admin and data entry	Low	Saves time and reduces manual errors	Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier
Smart customer support	Low–Moderate	Improves response times and frees staff capacity	Chatbots integrated with website CMS tools
Marketing automation and personalisation	Low–Moderate	Increases conversion rates and engagement	Targeted email campaigns, CRM analytics
Predictive analytics and demand forecasting	Moderate	Supports inventory management and financial planning	Power BI, business intelligence dashboards
Digital twins and simulation	High	Tests processes virtually before implementation	Manufacturing and logistics applications

What to watch (next 6–12 months)

Several developments in the next year will influence how businesses in Monash use AI:

• Research and development programs through Monash Precinct Network and Monash AI Institute.

• National and state funding for digital adoption.

• Council-led training workshops for small businesses.

• Introduction of clearer national standards for AI and data protection.

• Growing availability of AI education and workforce training.

• Increased focus on responsible and transparent AI systems.

  
  

What you should do

Small businesses can take several practical steps to prepare for upcoming opportunities:

• Identify repetitive administrative tasks that can be automated.

• Trial small AI tools for marketing or reporting.

• Attend events within the Monash network.

• Build AI awareness and continue learning.

• Create an internal AI policy covering ethics and data use.

  
  

Why now matters for Monash businesses

Monash has one of the most advanced innovation networks in Victoria. With access to the Monash AI Institute, the Australian Synchrotron, CSIRO, and multiple precinct partners, local businesses have the resources to explore AI safely and effectively. Starting with small-scale automation and progressing to advanced data applications can strengthen competitiveness and long-term sustainability.