OpenAI is planting its flag in Australia, confirming plans to open its first local office in Sydney this year as the maker of ChatGPT cements its position in one of its fastest-growing markets.
The San Francisco-based software company, which boasts more than 700 million weekly active users globally, has quietly established an Australian entity and begun hiring locally. While details of office location and staffing are under wraps, OpenAI says the move is the “first step” in building a lasting presence Down Under.
New figures show Australians are among the most enthusiastic adopters of OpenAI’s tools. Local weekly active ChatGPT user numbers jumped 2.5 times over the past year, the company says, and Australia ranks in the top 10 markets for both developers and paying subscribers.
Sam Altman’s ChatGPT has remained intensely popular and now has more than 700 million users a week.Credit: Bloomberg
“Australia’s government, businesses and world-class developer ecosystem are already shaping the future of AI,” OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap said. “We’re excited to expand our presence and build a local team to work closely with partners, customers and the millions of Australians who use ChatGPT daily.”
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The Sydney office will act as a hub for OpenAI’s engagement with developers, businesses, researchers and policymakers, and is expected to host a stream of events and executive visit through the end of the year. A source closed to the company not authorised to speak publicly said that initial hiring will focus on roles supporting local companies and users, including technical roles.
The move also comes at a pivotal time for AI regulation, with US President Donald Trump this week threatening to impose new tariffs and other penalties on countries that legislate against US tech giants. This masthead recently reported that the federal government is set to dump plans for economy-wide artificial intelligence laws, instead opting for a lighter touch model that will mostly adopt existing regulations in areas including privacy and copyright.
ChatGPT can compile lists of interview questions.
A recent Productivity Commission report estimated that AI could contribute $116 billion to Australia’s economy over the next decade, provided the government steers clear of stifling the technology with overly strict regulations.