$6m invested into expanding SA’s Artificial Intelligence capability

An additional $6 million has been injected into Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) by the Government. This funding, matched by the University of Adelaide, will fuel AIML’s expansion, enhancing its global competitiveness.

The newfound investment will support various initiatives, including empowering AIML’s research and engineering team to aid government bodies and South Australian SMEs in crafting AI-driven products and services, streamlining processes, and bolstering productivity. Furthermore, it will establish international exchange PhD scholarships and degree scholarships for South Australian students, fostering learning opportunities. Additionally, efforts will be made to attract top AI research talent to South Australia.

Recognized as a transformative technology with immense productivity potential, AI has been highlighted as crucial for Australia’s national interest. The University of Adelaide’s global standing at #7 for AI underscores AIML’s international renown in AI, machine learning, and computer vision.

“Whether it be through the establishment of a new University, or capitalizing on the opportunities of AUKUS, my Government is determined to lift our economic complexity, and the standard of living for South Australians,” Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas said.

“According to PwC, global GDP is poised to increase by up to 14 per cent by 2030 due to the rapid development and adoption of AI, representing $15.7 trillion in economic growth. South Australia can harness this enormous opportunity.

“We’re home to nationally recognized AI companies and well known for punching above our weight in AI – contributing more than 20 per cent of the nation’s AI research in 2021, despite making up only seven per cent of Australia’s population.

“Strengthening our industrial AI capability will be key to enhancing efficiency, productivity and automation, and will help South Australia to become a world-leading digital economy.”

AIML’s presence at Lot Fourteen has catalyzed the establishment of Adelaide offices by leading global tech firms like Google, Amazon, MTX, and Accenture. Initially supported by foundational investment from the Weatherill Labor Government in 2017, AIML has built into Australia’s largest university machine learning research group.

This fresh infusion of funds from the SA Government and the University of Adelaide will propel the new Adelaide University to the forefront of AI research nationally. Through constructive partnerships with local industries, it will pave the way for South Australians to embark on exciting research careers in this burgeoning sector.

“It’s been such a breathtaking year for AI, and South Australia is one of the top global places for AI activity. Since the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) was established six years ago, we’ve worked with more than 35 businesses and numerous government entities to use AI to create new products and improve productivity,” Simon Lucey, Director, Australian Institute for Machine Learning, the University of Adelaide said.

“Our extended program will not only continue that important work for South Australia, we’re now expanding it with new domestic student scholarships and international exchange opportunities with some of the world’s top AI academic and industry players.

“This makes the University of Adelaide a very attractive choice for top students seeking to build a career in the global AI industry.”

According to the Australian Productivity Commission’s recent report, automation, including AI, could potentially contribute between $1.1 trillion and $4 trillion to the Australian economy by the 2030s.