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US artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, owner of ChatGPT, is opening an Australian office in Sydney later this year amid rapid growth for the company domestically over the past year.
The new office is aimed at providing improved customer support for OpenAI users, with the company revealing that the number of weekly active users in Australia has grown by 2.5 times over the past year.
OpenAI has more than 700 million weekly active users worldwide, more than five million paying business customers and more than four million developers building on its API platform.
The company says that Australia ranks among the top 10 developer markets for OpenAI globally and is among the top 10 markets for ChatGPT subscribers globally.
“Australia’s government, businesses and world-class developer ecosystem are already shaping the future of AI,” says OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap.
“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.”
While details of where the office will be located have yet to be revealed, OpenAI has officially established an entity in Australia and has begun hiring a local team.
OpenAI says it also plans to engage directly with Australia’s developer, startup and business community through events and partnerships to support local innovation.
NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, has welcomed plans by the AI giant to locate its first Australian office in Sydney.
“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,” says Chanthivong.
“OpenAI’s investment in Sydney exemplifies the type of commitment the Minns Labor Government’s Industry Policy, Innovation Blueprint 2035, and Trade & Investment Strategy aim to attract.”
OpenAI has experienced strong demand from Australian companies and institutions, who are using OpenAI’s technology to solve hard problems, boost productivity, improve services and build new products.
These include a multi-year strategic partnership with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) to bring advanced AI to CommBank’s customers and employees.
The technology is also being used by global companies founded in Australia, such as Atlassian and Canva, who are building new products and features on OpenAI’s technology.
“OpenAI’s presence in Australia adds world-class capability to the local AI landscape,” says Matt Comyn, the CEO of CBA.
“As a foundation partner, we look forward to working together to explore how AI enhances customer experiences and unlocks opportunities for Australian businesses.”
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