# Article 62 – Measures for providers and deployers, in particular SMEs, including start-ups

_CHAPTER VI – MEASURES IN SUPPORT OF INNOVATION_

**1.** Member States shall undertake the following actions:

**(a)** provide SMEs, including start-ups, having a registered office or a branch in the Union, with priority access to the AI regulatory sandboxes, to the extent that they fulfil the eligibility conditions and selection criteria; the priority access shall not preclude other SMEs, including start-ups, other than those referred to in this paragraph from access to the AI regulatory sandbox, provided that they also fulfil the eligibility conditions and selection criteria;

**(b)** organise specific awareness raising and training activities on the application of this Regulation tailored to the needs of SMEs including start-ups, deployers and, as appropriate, local public authorities;

**(c)** utilise existing dedicated channels and where appropriate, establish new ones for communication with SMEs including start-ups, deployers, other innovators and, as appropriate, local public authorities to provide advice and respond to queries about the implementation of this Regulation, including as regards participation in AI regulatory sandboxes;

**(d)** facilitate the participation of SMEs and other relevant stakeholders in the standardisation development process.

**2.** The specific interests and needs of the SME providers, including start-ups, shall be taken into account when setting the fees for conformity assessment under Article 43, reducing those fees proportionately to their size, market size and other relevant indicators.

**3.** The AI Office shall undertake the following actions:

**(a)** provide standardised templates for areas covered by this Regulation, as specified by the Board in its request;

**(b)** develop and maintain a single information platform providing easy to use information in relation to this Regulation for all operators across the Union;

**(c)** organise appropriate communication campaigns to raise awareness about the obligations arising from this Regulation;

**(d)** evaluate and promote the convergence of best practices in public procurement procedures in relation to AI systems.

Applies from: 2026-08-02

Source: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act), text in force on 2026-10-28. https://aiact.binary.tools/act/art62