This study investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in start-ups and smart manufacturing, with a particular focus on its role in shaping entrepreneurship across Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 contexts. Drawing on primary survey data from 100 respondents-including students, entrepreneurs, educators, and industry professionals the research examines awareness, benefits, challenges, and future investment intentions related to AI-enabled technologies. Descriptive analysis indicates that AI is widely perceived as a transformative enabler of cost reduction, process optimization, decision-making, and sustainability, though barriers such as ethical concerns, high implementation costs, and workforce skill gaps persist. Chi-square results reveal that while categorical associations between awareness of Industry 5.0 and AI-related outcomes were not statistically significant at the 5% level, linear-by-linear tests confirm significant positive trends: respondents aware of Industry 5.0 were more likely to recognize the importance of human-machine collaboration and to express intentions to invest in AI solutions. Overall, the findings highlight both the opportunities and constraints of AI adoption in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems, suggesting that Industry 5.0 awareness can strengthen innovation-driven intentions. This research contributes to literature on AI-enabled entrepreneurship by integrating perspectives on smart manufacturing, sustainability, funding ecosystems, and ethical considerations, while offering practical implications for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators in accelerating responsible and inclusive AI adoption.