AWS launches AI Spring Australia to boost local AI innovation

AWS is increasing its support for Australian startups developing artificial intelligence technology through new initiatives and expanded programmes.

Recent research conducted by AWS with 2,000 Australian individuals and businesses indicates that 81% of startups in Australia are already using AI in their operations. This includes 42% of startups developing new AI-driven products and services, and 53% making AI central to their business functions.

The data highlights a trend in which startups are not only experimenting with AI but integrating it into products and business models that were previously unattainable. One company cited in this context is Relevance AI, based in Sydney, which is building teams of AI agents to perform autonomous tasks in areas like sales, research, marketing, operations, and customer support.

When compared internationally, Australia's AI adoption rate among startups exceeds that of other regions. In Europe, the average rate of AI usage among startups stands at 68%, and 37% are developing new AI-driven services and products, according to the AWS study.

AWS has maintained its support for startups through its AWS Activate programme, which provides cloud credits, training, support, and networking opportunities. Over the past decade, AWS Activate has allocated over USD $7 billion in credits globally. The company also established the AWS Generative AI Accelerator programme two years ago, offering startups access to both technical and business mentorship, and the chance for up to USD $1 million in AWS credits.

Five Australian startups have participated in the global AWS Generative AI Accelerator to date: Leonardo AI in 2023, and Contact Harald, Marqo, Relevance AI, and Splash Music in 2024.

Applications for the 2025 cohort of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator will open shortly, continuing efforts to assist startups in advancing their AI capabilities and gaining international traction in the field.

AWS says its support aligns with the broader aims of the Australian Government's National AI Capability Plan, which seeks to expand investment in AI, foster productivity and economic growth, and position Australia as a global leader in the development and application of the technology.

To further this commitment, AWS is introducing a new initiative called AI Spring Australia. This flagship programme aims to help customers and partners across multiple industries improve their AI expertise and expedite the adoption of AI and generative AI solutions within their businesses.

Goldman Sachs has estimated that generative AI adoption could contribute as much as AUD $15 billion annually to the Australian economy by 2030, representing between 2% and 5% of the total economy. AWS aims to utilise its technical infrastructure, AI tools and services, built-in security measures, and AI expertise in the execution of the AI Spring Australia programme.

Two initial programmes will be supported as part of AI Spring Australia: the AWS Generative AI Accelerator for startups, and AWS AI Launchpad for enterprises. The AI Launchpad is designed to help businesses accelerate the deployment of generative AI workloads from the concept phase to production, using AWS resources, partner support, and direct funding. AWS has indicated that further sector-specific programmes will be introduced at a later date.

AWS recently announced a planned investment of AUD $13.2 billion in its existing cloud infrastructure in the AWS Asia Pacific (Sydney) and AWS Asia Pacific (Melbourne) Regions by 2027. This investment is projected to add AUD $35 billion to GDP and support an average of 11,000 full-time equivalent jobs in local vendor companies by that year.

These efforts are part of a strategy to equip Australia's business community to fully realise the potential of AI for productivity gains, operational efficiency, and product and service innovation. AWS states that AI has the capacity to address significant societal challenges, and the company is committed to playing a role in giving Australia a position of influence in global AI innovation.

According to Rianne Van Veldhuizen, Vice President and Managing Director of AWS Australia and New Zealand, "AI is one of the most transformational technologies of our generation, with opportunities to tackle some of humanity's most challenging problems. Australia already has a rich culture of ambitious thinking, experimentation, and hard work, and AWS is committed to creating opportunities for Australia to lead globally in AI innovation."

"Together with private sector, industry, and government, we have an opportunity to unlock our country's collective AI capability and nurture a generation of AI innovators in Australia – and AWS is here for it."

"We're proud to support these leading Australian businesses as they innovate and grow, using Google's breakthroughs in AI models, agents, and purpose-built AI chips. Our AI-powered products and services, from Search to Cloud AI, supported an estimated AUD $53 billion in economic activity for businesses in 2024 alone. This highlights AI's vast potential for Australia's businesses and economy. Public First's research estimates AI could add AUD $240 billion in economic value and boost Australia's productivity by over 10%, driving improvements across healthcare, education, and financial services," said Van Veldhuizen.