Salesforce commits $2.5bn to AI development in Australia

Salesforce has announced a $2.5 billion investment in Australia over the next five years, backing AI innovation, workforce development and sustainability initiatives.

The commitment, unveiled at Agentforce World Tour Sydney, reflects the company’s push to drive business transformation through AI-powered agents.

Salesforce will also be hoping the investment positions the company as a key player in Australia’s AI evolution, according to Frank Fillmann, Salesforce EVP and general manager for Australia and New Zealand.

“We are putting our money where our mouth is,” Fillmann said. “We are making a massive investment in Australia.”

Fillmann said AI will play a critical role in addressing business challenges, from sluggish productivity to a tight labour market. The investment aligns with the government’s National AI Capability Plan and hopes to boost local industry and economic growth.

“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,” he said.

Beyond AI, Salesforce is ramping up workforce development, launching Agentforce Learning Days and hackathons in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to help companies train employees in AI deployment. 

The company will also support reskilling programs like Deloitte Digital Career Compass and FW Jobs Academy to equip women and diverse communities with in-demand digital skills. Salesforce Ventures, the company’s investment arm, has already backed high-growth Australian AI startups like Airwallex, GO1, Culture Amp, Reejig and Q-Ctrl. 

Bran Black, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, said investment in AI is key to Australia’s future competitiveness.

“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,” he said.

The investment cements Salesforce’s long-term presence in Australia, where it first established operations in 2004 and now employs over 2,400 people.