OpenAI unveils local support program 'OpenAI for Australia'

OpenAI has launched OpenAI for Australia, its first country-specific program in the Asia Pacific region. This initiative focuses on supporting Australia's sovereign AI infrastructure, training the workforce, and accelerating the local AI ecosystem.

First, OpenAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEXTDC to build a next-generation hyperscale AI campus and a large-scale GPU supercluster at the Sydney S7 site. This is planned to provide governments, businesses, and research institutions with sovereign computing capacity to handle sensitive and critical workloads.

For workforce development, OpenAI is partnering with CommBank, Coles, and Wesfarmers to run training programs through OpenAI Academy. This is expected to spread practical AI skills to approximately 1.2 million Australian workers and small business owners.

Additionally, OpenAI is partnering with local venture capital firms such as Blackbird, Square Peg, and AirTree to launch Australia's first startup program. Participating startups will receive up to $15,000 in API credit, along with technical mentoring and workshops on scaling and safety.