Australian government invests in new National Artificial Intelligence Centre
The Australian Government has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Centre to help unlock the potential of AI for business by coordinating Australia’s AI expertise and capabilities. The National Artificial Intelligence Centre has been established within CSIRO’s data and digital specialist arm Data61.
The Centre is part of the Government’s $124.1 million investment under its AI Action Plan, which sets out a vision for Australia to become a global leader in developing and adopting trusted, secure and responsible artificial intelligence.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said, “The National Artificial Intelligence Centre will play a pivotal role in ensuring we can take advantage of AI technologies, which has been forecast to contribute more than $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
“This investment will strengthen Australia’s ability, lift our global competitiveness through AI, and attract new investment and world-leading specialists. It will unlock the potential of AI and create new opportunities for business to access critical AI expertise and capabilities,” she added.
The launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre positions Australia as a global leader in AI technology, harnessing our collective capabilities, talent and resources to be developers and drive early adoption of AI by our businesses, Minister Price said.
“The National Artificial Intelligence Centre will also help address barriers that small and medium enterprises face in developing AI and other emerging technologies by connecting business with the talent, knowledge and tools to succeed.”
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the world was racing to find the next big breakthrough in AI.
“Here in Australia, we’re focused on using AI to solve key national challenges that can really make a difference for all Australians,” Dr Marshall said.
Ms Stela Solar has been appointed as the Director of the National AI Centre. She has previously worked with Microsoft as Global Director – Artificial Intelligence Solution Sales and Strategy.
“Stela has the vision and industry knowledge to work with CSIRO to continue bridging the gap between industry and our world-leading AI specialists,” said Dr Marshall.
Under the AI Action Plan and the Government’s Digital Economy Strategy, the CSIRO is also delivering $47.3 million in scholarship programs for AI and emerging technologies to attract and retain over 460 home-grown, job-ready specialists.
For more information on the National Artificial Intelligence Centre visit www.csiro.au/naic.