Australia – OpenAI has confirmed plans to establish its first Australian office in Sydney before the end of the year, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald. Australia now ranks among the company’s top ten markets globally, driven by explosive user growth and ecosystem engagement.
OpenAI noted that Australia’s adoption of ChatGPT has surged dramatically over the past year—weekly active users have more than doubled to 2.5 times their previous level—propelling the country into the top tier of global markets for both paying subscribers and developers.
Following this update, OpenAI’s COO Brad Lightcap stated the new local presence will enhance its ability to support the growing community of users—from developers and start-ups to students, educators, and businesses—and work more directly with partners and customers.
Long before setting up an official office, OpenAI has already forged strategic partnerships in Australia. These include multi-year collaborations with the Commonwealth Bank, Atlassian, UNSW, and Canva—all signaling high demand for AI integration across sectors.
The Sydney branch will become OpenAI’s third Asia-Pacific outpost, joining existing hubs in Singapore and Tokyo.
Prime objectives for the new office include building stronger connections with policymakers, researchers, and the wider innovation ecosystem, along with hosting events and fostering local collaborations.
OpenAI has pointed to Australia’s attractiveness for AI infrastructure investment, citing several competitive advantages: generous land availability, stable policy frameworks, efficient permitting, and abundant renewable energy—all factors that support sustainable tech development.
With the office slated to launch later this year, OpenAI is positioning itself at the forefront of Australia’s AI ecosystem—enabling closer engagement with local partners, fostering regional innovation, and reinforcing its role amid evolving AI policy and business landscapes.
