NTT DATA – a global Japanese IT services and consulting company headquartered in Tokyo – has opened a Sydney facility to accelerate AI adoption across organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
Forming a part of NTT Data’s global R&D ecosystem, the Innovation Centre Australia (ICA) is a collaborative space where organisations can co-create, test and scale new technologies.
NTT Data’s Sydney centre is one of 11 Innovation Centres globally and establishes Australia as a strategic hub in the company’s international research and development ecosystem.
The ICA will bring NTT DATA’s research and global technology expertise to help organisations scale AI safely and responsibly across 6 areas, including:
- Cyber Security and Quantum Cryptography
- Satellite and Earth Observability
- Physical AI and Operational Automation
- Photonics and Next-Generation Networking
- Digital Twin Simulation
- Enterprise Data Architecture.
The ICA is launching at a critical time when Australian companies are investing heavily in AI. The ICA gives companies and governments a secure space to work with NTT DATA to develop, test and implement technologies at scale. Organisations can take projects from proof-of-concept to commercial use, manage risk, improve safety and resilience, and capture the economic benefits of AI.
‘Bringing this level of global research and development into our region is about much more than technology,’ says David McKeering, Executive Managing Director, ANZ, NTT DATA.
‘It is about creating a safe, practical environment where businesses, government and academia can co-create solutions that make a real difference to our industries and communities.’d.
Australian organisations can now access NTT DATA’s research and technology capabilities at the Innovation Centre Australia in Sydney.
Austrade assistance
Austrade Japan has a longstanding relationship with NTT DATA, actively supporting the company’s exploration of the Australian innovation ecosystem over several years.
Through sustained engagement, Austrade Japan has facilitated discussions on collaboration opportunities with Australian startups and universities, arranged introductions to relevant technology companies and research bodies, and provided market and industry intelligence aligned with NTT DATA’s strategic interests in Australia.
Austrade Japan also supports NTT DATA’s engagement with the Australian innovation ecosystem, by building awareness of local capabilities, fostering industry connections, and identifying collaboration opportunities. NTT DATA’s decision to establish the ICA in Sydney reinforces Australia’s position as a destination for innovation-led investment and technology collaboration.
AI in Australia
Australia has made AI a pillar of economic growth. The Australian Government has committed A$2.5 billion to AI innovation through its National AI Plan.
Australia has more than 1,500 AI companies, including more than 100 founded in 2023–24. In 2025, Australian startups raised A$5.4 billion, up more than 30% year on year. More than 60% went to companies using AI in some way.
Australia is also a regional software development hub, supported by a connected commercial and research ecosystem, strong talent pool, more than 160 research institutes and 8 AI-specific research clusters.
Learn more about Australia’s advantage in the age of AI.
In July 2026, the Australian Government announced The Office for AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Office for AI will design Australian Standards for AI, building on the Expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers announced in March 2026. The proposed standards aim to give investors greater clarity, streamline the compliance process and speed approvals. They will also help ensure AI works in Australia’s national interests.
How Austrade can help
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We offer industry insights, stakeholder connections, and virtual or physical site visits. Thousands of foreign businesses have worked with us to enter the Australian market.
For information on investment opportunities in Australia, contact an Austrade investment specialist.
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