The University of Queensland (UQ) has partnered on a new artificial intelligence (AI) centre to support businesses and attract world-leaders in technology innovation to the state.
The AI Hub is an initiative under the Queensland Government's landmark $755 million Advance Queensland project. With an immediate focus on the use of AI during the COVID-19 crisis, it will help build AI capabilities and global connections, and keep talented people and jobs in Queensland.
The $5.5 million Hub will be managed AI Consortium founders - business technology specialists that already deliver innovative AI programs in Queensland including Max Kelsen, IntelliHQ, KJR, 9 Points and AiKademi - and located at the Queensland Government's innovation and investment hub known as The Precinct in Fortitude Valley. Along with UQ, KPMG and QUT have come on board as founding partners.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones said Queensland has a shortage of talent in the AI space and that the Hub would give a leg-up to struggling startups.
"We have up to eight-times more AI jobs in the state than people with the right skills available to fill them," she said.
"We're working hard to upskill workers to embrace this technology, which is changing the way we do business.
UQ is part of a consortium involving the State Government, universities and industry leaders behind a new centre aimed at building Queensland's artificial intelligence capabilities.
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Dr Jessica Gallagher said specialised training courses will offered out of the AI Hub for Queensland industry and public sector organisations.
"As a University ranked among the world's top 50, we are proud to support such an exciting initiative that will upskill Queenslanders and help startups to scale-up to meet global demand for innovative technology," Dr Gallagher said.
"We are encouraged by the interest the Hub has already generated from international companies, and look forward to further developing technology that is changing the way we work and study."
The AI Hub will focus on the following four key initiatives:
- grow awareness and connect Queensland businesses, industry, government organisations and universities to local AI talent and technologies'
- showcase local AI talent and businesses
- deliver programs to develop AI talent (tertiary students, researchers and emerging AI businesses)
- connect Queensland's AI talent and solutions to other global centres.
