OpenAI opens Australian office

OpenAI has opened its first Australian office in Sydney during an event attended by some of the nation’s top business leaders, policymakers and members of the technology community.

The office will house OpenAI’s dedicated Australian team, which will initially focus on helping local customers, partners and users take advantage of ChatGPT and other OpenAI technologies.

Current Australian customers include the Commonwealth Bank, which is using OpenAI to strengthen scam and fraud protection. Coles has deployed GPT-5 powered tools to its corporate teams to speed up research, reduce admin and fuel innovation, while La Trobe University plans to roll out ChatGPT Edu at scale to staff and students by 2027. Other early adopter Australian customers include Wesfarmers, Virgin Australia, Fortescue and REA Group.

During a launch event for the new office at the Museum of Contemporary Art, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the launch is a vote of confidence in the state.

“Sydney is Australia’s digital capital, backed by world-class talent and strong government investment — and OpenAI’s arrival here takes that even further,” he said.

OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon added that having a dedicated Australian team demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment and investment in the country.

“Australia is well-placed to lead the world in AI. It has a history of early technology adoption, a world-class developer community, and a clear ambition to lift productivity,” he said. “By opening our first office in Sydney, we are investing in local talent and working directly with Australian businesses, government and the tech community to turn that potential into real economic and societal gains.”

OpenAI is also rolling out its startup program in Australia in partnership with local venture capitalist companies. Under the program, startups will be offered API credits and additional mentoring opportunities.

Image: OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.