e27 has launched the call for participants for the AI Workflow Competition: SME Digital Leap, a programme designed to bring together builders and small businesses around a shared goal of designing agentic AI workflows that solve real operational challenges. Rather than focusing on building new AI products or startups, the initiative centres on applying existing AI platforms and models to create practical automation for real world SME use cases.
The programme connects workflow creators directly with SMEs that are seeking automation solutions, accelerating the adoption of AI where it matters most in everyday business operations. Participants will work across key business functions including sales, marketing, operations, HR, and finance, contributing to solutions that can be tested and used in real environments.
Advancing AI adoption through practical innovation
As AI becomes an essential driver of SME competitiveness, the competition is designed to bridge the gap between conceptual AI knowledge and real deployment. Participants will work on challenge statements submitted by SMEs, ensuring that every solution is grounded in actual operational needs.
The multi-phase programme includes curated learning opportunities, guided workflow development, and close collaboration with SMEs. Participants will receive mentorship and support throughout the development journey, with top solutions showcased at Echelon Singapore 2026 to enable potential SME pilot opportunities. The emphasis is on hands on learning in workflow automation and agentic AI, using real business problems as the foundation for development.
Also read: Beyond the hype: Why Echelon is evolving to drive Southeast Asia’s AI future
Who should join AI Workflow Competition: SME Digital Leap
This call is open to builders who want to deepen their AI capabilities while creating real world impact for SMEs. While anyone interested may express their interest, participant selection will be based on current capabilities and relevant experience to ensure the best possible match for the program’s goals.
What this is not: This is not a hackathon focused on building new AI-driven products or startups. Instead, the competition centres on using existing AI platforms and models to design agentic workflows that directly address real SME use cases. Tools such as n8n and Make are well suited for this work, alongside prompt-based agentic platforms that enable practical, deployable automation.
All experience levels are welcome. Selection will be based on current knowledge and past experience to ensure participants are well matched to SME use cases and collaboration tracks.
Click here to fill out the form for participants.
Call for partners and support
We are also seeking partners and community stakeholders to help provide the resources needed to support this ecosystem, including access to platforms and usage credits, as we work together to accelerate AI-driven SME digitalisation.
Interested partners and sponsors can reach out via email at engage@e27.co.
Also read: Exhibit smart, spend lean: Your Start Up Booth at Echelon 2026
Driving real world AI adoption for SMEs
By focusing on the practical application of agentic AI workflows to real SME challenges, the AI Workflow Competition: SME Digital Leap signals a shift towards outcome-driven AI adoption in everyday business operations. Builders are invited to apply their skills to live use cases, work closely with SMEs, and develop deployable automation solutions with real commercial relevance. With selected solutions progressing towards a showcase at Echelon Singapore 2026 and potential pilot opportunities, the programme offers a structured pathway from experimentation to real world impact.
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