ChatGPT maker OpenAI set to open Australian office in Sydney
OpenAI, the company behind popular AI tool ChatGPT, has announced its big plans in one Australian city.
The US tech behemoth behind ChatGPT plans to open its first Australian office as soon as this year after reporting rapid growth in the region.
US-based software giant OpenAI confirmed plans to open an office in Sydney to support its increasing user base in Australia, which ranks among the top ten subscriber markets for its large language model ChatGPT.
While the company has stayed tight-lipped on its intended site in the Harbour City, it has already established an entity and begun hiring a local team.
MORE: How AI is helping Aussies find work
“Australia’s government, businesses and world-class developer ecosystem are already shaping the future of AI,” OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap said.
“We’re excited to expand our presence and build a local team to work closely with partners, customers and the millions of Australians who use ChatGPT daily.”
The company announced its intention to engage directly with domestic developers, start-ups and businesses through partnerships and events.
OpenAI’s nearest office to Australia is currently in its Asia Pacific office in Singapore.
OpenAI’s incoming Australian office is a signal of its support for the government’s AI Capability Plan, set to be delivered by the end of the year.
NSW Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Anoulack Chanthivong welcomed the announcement.
“There couldn’t be a better time for OpenAI to expand its global footprint into NSW as artificial intelligence enters an era of accelerated development and adoption, creating transformative opportunities across our community,” he said.
In their announcement, the company cited existing partnerships with Australian companies and institutions including, Commonwealth Bank, UNSW, Atlassian and Canva, as a reflection of demand for their technology.
OpenAI announced in July that Australian weekly ChatGPT usage has more than doubled in the last year, and is forecast to contribute $115bn to the national economy by 2030.
The company’s analysis found Australia is one of the most competitive countries when it comes to hosting data centres, due to “the highest land availability among peer nations, strong policy stability, efficient permitting processes, and abundant access to renewable energy”.
“These advantages, more than just low average electricity costs, reinforce its appeal for major infrastructure investment.”
Originally published as ChatGPT maker OpenAI set to open Australian office in Sydney
