Google plans to construct a research center in Australia as part of a $1 billion investment over five years to secure the country’s “digital future.”
On Tuesday morning, Google A/NZ managing director Mel Silva and Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the investment. The funds will be invested in “Australian infrastructure, research, and partnerships.” The flagship appears to research, which spans three direct programs and the establishment of alliances to pursue others.
“We’re opening Google Research Australia, our first research hub in Australia,” Silva explained. “In collaboration with the research community throughout the nation and other Google Research centres, we’ll assemble a team of local academics and engineers to investigate how AI and machine learning might help tackle significant challenges in Australia – and around the world.” Silva also announced a “multi-million-dollar relationship” with the CSIRO to “address concerns such as natural hazard management, energy, and the protection of our treasured Greater Barrier Reef.” In addition, she stated that Google will increase its “funding in quantum computing research with Macquarie University.”
“This discovery has a variety of potential implications, such as building more efficient batteries, and will enable us to investigate scientific findings that were previously beyond of reach,” she explained.
The infrastructure investments were more ambiguous, with Silva stating that Google will “continue to invest in the infrastructure required to enable Australians make the most of technology.” “With this investment, Australian firms will have a safe and resilient platform for business transformation,” she added. “It will help them to become more productive and adapt rapidly to ever-changing client requirements as their business and the digitalisation evolve.”
