The program was launched at Edith Cowan University’s City Campus and will see an inaugural cohort of 25 fellows selected from across WA’s four public universities undertake extensive training in cutting-edge technologies, followed by placements in government and industry.

This is the first time the London-based Faculty has offered its much sought-after AI training program in Australia.

“Western Australia is well placed to take the lead in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. This partnership ensures we are building the skills and capability needed to support that growth,” Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said.

“This initiative is about investing in WA people and our future, creating new opportunities across key industries and ensuring our economy remains strong, resilient and competitive.

“By working in partnership with industry, we are unlocking the full potential of innovation and positioning Western Australia to capture the benefits of major national priorities, including AUKUS.”

The program has been operating in the UK since 2014, where 550 STEM graduates have taken part. The fellowship model is designed to produce industry-ready AI practitioners, with participants applying their skills to solve real business challenges and deliver productivity improvements for industry and government.

WA STEM graduates will be able to access this opportunity thanks to a public-private partnership between the Cook Labor government, Faculty, Accenture, and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers.

“The next frontier in AI is access to exceptional talent – people who combine deep technical mastery with scientific rigour and sharp commercial instincts,” Faculty co-founder Dr Angie Ma said.

“Australia’s universities are producing outstanding STEM graduates, and its public and private sectors face exactly the kind of hard, high-stakes problems that need great AI practitioners.

“We are starting work on important AI projects across Australia and are excited about the opportunity ahead of us. Faculty’s expansion to Australia marks an important new phase in our global growth. We’re building the global talent engine for the age of AI.”