In a significant move to bolster South Australia's position as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Malinauskas Government has announced a substantial $6 million investment into the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML). This funding, to be matched by the University of Adelaide, aims to expand AIML's core work and enhance its global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
The Australian Institute for Machine Learning, established in 2017 with foundational investment from the Weatherill Labor Government, has grown to become Australia's largest university machine learning research group. Recognised internationally for its expertise in AI, machine learning, and computer vision, AIML's presence at Lot Fourteen has attracted global tech giants like Google, Amazon, MTX, and Accenture to establish offices in Adelaide.
The additional funding will support AIML's research and engineering team in assisting the government and South Australian SMEs to develop AI-enabled products and services, automate processes, and improve productivity. This collaboration between academia and industry is crucial in harnessing the transformative potential of AI and driving innovation across various sectors.
To foster talent development and provide opportunities for South Australian students, the investment will establish four international exchange PhD scholarships and 16 honours/masters degree scholarships. These initiatives will not only attract top AI research talent to South Australia but also create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the state's growing AI ecosystem.
The significance of this investment cannot be overstated, as AI has been identified as a critical technology in Australia's national interest. The Australian Productivity Commission's recent five-year Product Inquiry: Advancing Prosperity report estimated that automation, including AI, could cumulatively add between $1.1 trillion and $4 trillion to the Australian economy by the 2030s. South Australia's proactive approach to investing in AI research and development positions the state to capitalise on this enormous economic opportunity.
Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasised the government's determination to lift South Australia's economic complexity and standard of living through initiatives such as the establishment of a new University and capitalising on the opportunities presented by AUKUS. With global GDP 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 is well-positioned to harness this potential.
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Susan Close, highlighted the broader impact of this investment in high-tech education. In addition to the international exchange scholarships prioritized to AUKUS partner universities, AIML's research and engineering team is expected to support a further five State Government projects and up to 50 industry projects. This collaborative approach ensures that South Australia has the skills necessary to undertake major projects within the state and beyond.
Simon Lucey, Director of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, expressed enthusiasm for the extended program, emphasising AIML's track record of working with numerous businesses and government entities to create new products and improve productivity. The expansion of the program with new domestic student scholarships and international exchange opportunities positions the University of Adelaide as an attractive choice for top students seeking to build a career in the global AI industry.
Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide, highlighted the exceptional and transformative research undertaken by the university in AI. This funding creates new opportunities to shape South Australia's future by scaling transformative work, attracting the brightest minds in AI, and strengthening the state's position as a leader in technology.
As the uses for AI continue to expand rapidly, this investment demonstrates South Australia's commitment to remaining at the forefront of this transformative technology. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, South Australia is creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, attracts global talent, and drives economic growth.
The $6 million boost to AI research and development at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning is a testament to the Malinauskas Government's vision for a thriving, technology-driven future for South Australia. As the state continues to invest in cutting-edge research, talent development, and industry partnerships, it is well-positioned to reap the economic and social benefits of the AI revolution, cementing its status as a global leader in this transformative field.
