Salesforce announces USD $2.5bn AI investment in Australia

Salesforce has announced a USD $2.5 billion investment in artificial intelligence innovation, workforce development, and sustainability efforts in Australia over the next five years.

Part of this investment will see a roadshow of Agentforce Learning Days and Hackathons across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These events aim to educate employees from over 270 companies on developing and deploying AI agents.

Telstra, Flight Centre, Canva, Scape, and hipages are among the industry leaders currently utilising Salesforce's AI technologies to enhance productivity and customer experiences. This strategic AI adoption is a testament to the effectiveness of Salesforce's solutions in Australia's business landscape.

Frank Fillmann, EVP & General Manager of Salesforce Australia and New Zealand, stated: "We're proud to invest in Australia to help organisations of all sizes transform their operations and redefine their workforces with agentic AI. Australian business leaders are challenged by low productivity growth, a tight labour market and higher than ever customer expectations. Empowering their employees with Agentforce and limitless digital labour is the breakthrough they need."

The integration of AI into business practices is aligned with the Australian Government's National AI Capability Plan objectives, which focus on expanding local AI expertise and encouraging economic and productivity growth.

Bran Black, Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, remarked: "We know that harnessing the power of artificial intelligence is critical in unlocking our future economic potential and this investment will assist in strengthening our digital economy. By investing in technologies like AI, we are strengthening our global competitiveness, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for Australians."

Additionally, Salesforce has appointed Anne Templeman-Jones, an experienced non-executive director, to its Global Advisory Board to support business leaders in leveraging AI to transform their operations.

April Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, added: "Salesforce is a force-multiplier for Australian innovation. This investment recognises Australia's potential and will supercharge our ability to effectively use artificial intelligence to generate greater economic opportunity."

Beyond AI and workforce development, Salesforce has announced a USD $1.2 million grant initiative. Grants will be awarded to the Arbor Day Foundation and New Energy Nexus to advance reforestation and clean energy ecopreneurship worldwide, including within Australia.

This funding builds upon existing reforestation projects such as Salesforce's collaboration with Greenfleet, aimed at planting over 30,000 native trees on formerly degraded farmland in Australia.

The company also maintains a strong commitment to renewable energy, as seen in its 2020 agreement with X-ELIO's Blue Grass Solar farm, which helps mitigate 320,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually and supports local operations.

Salesforce's Sydney Tower also highlights its sustainability focus, receiving the city's first-ever WELL core and Shell Platinum pre-certification and aiming for a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating.