OpenAI locks in Australian expansion with Sydney office – Capital Brief

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The news: OpenAI has announced it will open an Australian office in Sydney “later this year”, roughly two months after the company began ramping up local lobbying activity.
The numbers: Alongside the announcement, OpenAI said that weekly active users of ChatGPT in Australia have increased by more than 2.5x in the past year.
Australia is also among the top ten developer markets for the AI chatbot and the top ten markets for its subscribers.
The context: OpenAI said the announcement follows recent discussions in San Francisco between OpenAI leadership, Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd and Assistant Minister for the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton.
An exact location for the office is yet to be announced, but the company has established a local entity and begun hiring. The office will facilitate engagement with Australian developers, businesses and policymakers.
Earlier in the year, a group of OpenAI senior leaders spent several days in Australia meeting with government ministers in Canberra and speaking to members of the tech and university community.
It released an Economic Blueprint report, alongside economic consultancy Mandala outlining the huge economic potential of AI for Australia and called for AI adopters to be granted tax breaks.
The company has also sought out former Tech Council of Australia CEO Kate Pounder to serve as an Australian policy liaison for OpenAI while Bourke Street Advisory has been tapped to deliver “government relations” services.
What they said: “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 in Australia and build a local team to work closely with partners, customers, and the millions of Australians who use ChatGPT daily.”
Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn said: “OpenAI’s presence in Australia adds world-class capability to the local AI landscape. As a foundation partner, we look forward to working together to explore how AI enhances customer experiences and unlocks opportunities for Australian businesses.”
New South Wales Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong also welcomed the move.
The source: OpenAI media release
By Brandon How
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