Australia hopes for a $4.6 billion "super consortium" between OpenAI and NEXTDC

OpenAI has partnered with Australian data center operator NextDC Ltd. to build a massive $7 billion (US$4.6 billion) computing complex in Sydney, a move that will accelerate the company’s expansion in the Asia -Pacific region.

OpenAI and NextDC will collaborate on planning, developing and operating a "next-generation hyperscale AI complex and a large-scale GPU supercluster" in Sydney's Eastern Creek area, about 45km west of the city centre.

The complex, which includes a hyperscale AI data center campus in Sydney with NEXTDC and a training partnership to build national AI capabilities, marks one of the country’s biggest steps towards dedicated national computing for advanced AI workloads.

A core component of the initiative is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between OpenAI and NEXTDC, which forms the foundation for a long-term strategy to deploy national AI infrastructure in Australia.

The partnership focuses on NEXTDC's S7 data center site at Eastern Creek in Sydney, which is expected to house a next-generation hyperscale AI campus and large-scale GPU supercluster.

OpenAI plans to be the first vendor under the OpenAI for Countries program, allowing the company to expand its computing reach as capacity expands.

The deal is aimed at supporting highly sensitive and mission-critical workloads in government , business and research.

S7 is expected to build out its data system over several years, attracting thousands of highly skilled positions, along with long-term technical positions in AI infrastructure and operations.

"NEXTDC will continue to develop the S7 AI factory, subject to planning and regulatory approvals," Craig Scroggie, CEO of NEXTDC, wrote on LinkedIn. "This development, valued at more than 7 billion Australian dollars (over 4.64 billion US dollars), will provide independent computing power for government, finance, defense, research and business."

“It will support thousands of skilled and indirect jobs in engineering, construction, energy and operations. This is the digital infrastructure that builds the nation.”

The site is also set to drive demand for domestic engineering, manufacturing and specialist services as high-density AI facilities continue to expand across Australia.

Workforce development linked to AI infrastructure growth

Alongside the data centre partnership, OpenAI has announced a nationwide skills upgrading initiative with CommBank, Coles and Wesfarmers.

These organizations will partner with the OpenAI Academy to provide foundational AI skills training to more than 1.2 million workers and small businesses.

These training programs are intended to help organizations adopt AI at the same pace as infrastructure development, ensuring that government investments in data center capacity are balanced with a workforce capable of using AI tools effectively.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and the engine of our communities, but too many small business owners tell us they simply don’t have the time or confidence to explore how AI can help them,” said CommBank CEO Matt Comyn.

We want every small business to feel confident using digital technologies like AI, whether they are starting, running or growing their business.”

OpenAI’s internal teams will work with Coles, Wesfarmers and CommBank to create learning modules tailored to Australian industries and everyday workflows, with a national rollout expected in 2026.

NextDC. (Source: datacenterdynamics.com)

Strengthening Australia's AI innovation ecosystem

The initiative also includes a new startup program for emerging Australian AI companies.

Launched in conjunction with venture companies Blackbird, Square Peg, and AirTree, the program will provide up to $15,000 in API credits, technical mentorship, and access to workshops on scaling, compliance, and security. Additional credits will be provided for attendees of the specialized workshops.

OpenAI will also launch its annual Founders Day, bringing together Australia’s early-stage AI companies for product workshops, demos and mentorship from its engineering teams.

A new phase for independent AI capabilities

OpenAI for Australia marks the organization's first national program in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the core of the program is the partnership with NEXTDC, positioning S7 as a future anchor for national GPU capacity built to support the next generation of AI systems.

This collaboration, combined with skills development and startup support, reflects the growing momentum of national AI infrastructure and the role of data centers in enabling secure, large-scale AI deployment across the country./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/australia-ky-vong-vao-sieu-to-hop-tri-gia-46-ty-usd-giua-openai-va-nextdc-post1081318.vnp