PwC has launched an AI Centre of Excellence to help its Australian clients meet booming demand for artificial intelligence and generative AI services.

Part of a $12 million investment aimed at beefing up its AI capabilities, the AI Centre of Excellence will create over 30 new jobs said PwC, adding to the 320 data, analytics and AI specialists already working at the firm.

The new roles will span AI business analysis, software engineering, machine learning, data science, transformation, upskilling, change management, AI model validation, and risk management.

Kevin Burrowes, the CEO of PwC in Australia, said the new hub represents the next phase of the firm’s commitment to AI transformation services.

“This major investment will build on our momentum and bring together the full suite of AI skills. It will ensure we’re providing the transformation, technology and trust capabilities that businesses require to respond to AI change as a set of integrated, end-to-end offerings, to help our clients solve key business challenges.”

The creation of the local AI Centre of Excellence follows similar moves in other countries. At the global level, PwC has reserved billions to invest in AI capabilities and technologies over the coming years. This has already seen the network launch an internal AI assistant, sign a deal with OpenAI for ChatGPT Enterprise, and ink a landmark partnership with Microsoft for its generative AI solutions (Copilot and Azure).

“We’re walking the walk and will continue to lean into using AI to run our firm, embedding AI into the core of our operating model. Australia is a key centre for AI talent and delivery within PwC’s global network,” said Tom Pagram, PwC’s Artificial Intelligence leader in Australia.

According to global research from McKinsey & Company, AI and its little sister generative AI can add trillions to the productivity of companies and economies. Reaping the full potential will however require organisations to lift their AI maturity, not just in terms of technology, but also in terms of people, processes and culture.

Given the potential, Pagram said it’s important that Australian businesses are incorporating AI into their business strategy. “Australia has a tremendous opportunity to apply AI to lift its productivity growth rate.”

“Australia has strong AI talent and there are many areas where Australian businesses are well-positioned to lead globally – including AI in agriculture, mining and resources, AI for sustainability and research-industry partnerships in areas such as responsible AI.”

PwC’s new AI Centre of Excellence will also be leveraged by Strategy&, the firm’s strategy consulting business.