The 2025 report Australia’s artificial intelligence ecosystem: growth and opportunities gives a clear, data-based overview of how AI is growing in the country. The report showed more AI businesses, a sharp rise in AI research and strong demand for skilled workers.
Australia’s AI ecosystem includes businesses using AI to improve how they work. At the same time, startups and research teams are creating new tools and systems that drive business innovation.
The report shows that AI is spreading across all industries. Energy, resources, utilities and healthcare are using it the most. Public companies in these sectors are adding AI to their core operations.
Private companies are more likely to build tools that make work easier and apply across industries.
Other key highlights from the report:
- AI hiring has more than tripled since 2015. In 2024, 1,532 organisations looked for workers with AI skills. Most of the demand is in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The top roles are in business analytics, science, medical diagnostics and AI training.
- AI research is growing fast. Between 2015 and 2024, AI patents rose from 170 to 629. Research publications increased by 135%. Sectors like advanced manufacturing, resources, construction and healthcare are leading this growth and helping to strengthen Australia’s economy.
But the report also points out a challenge:
- Australia made up just 0.18% of global AI patents over the past 10 years. This shows the country needs to do more to turn research into market-ready products.
The National AI Centre (NAIC) developed the report with CSIRO.
NAIC’s Executive Director Lee Hickin said the report is a critical tool for understanding national opportunities.
‘This report is a critical data point that helps us to identify where our national opportunity lies, where we are growing AI adoption and the impact AI is having on Australian industry,’ Mr Hickin said.
Work is underway to help Australia become a global leading digital economy. This includes creating more jobs and better growth. The upcoming AI Capability Plan and Strategic Examination of R&D will look at how to improve AI innovation and commercialisation.
NAIC’s new and improved AI Directory will also help more businesses find and engage with Australian AI service providers. The re-launched platform replaces the former AI Ecosystem Discoverability Portal. It aims to help SMEs, government and industry easily find and connect with local AI capabilities.