IBM has officially opened its first ever R&D laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, representing an investment of over A$100 million. The facility will focus on accelerating progress towards a smarter planet.
The laboratory will apply advanced computing to work towards better management of natural resources, diseases and agricultural yields. Employing some 150 people within five years, IBM has already started assembling a world-class team of research scientists of local and international research talent. Research projects are underway with key partners, including the University of Melbourne.
Melbourne was chosen because of its access to world-class research institutions, a strong pipeline of talented and motivated professionals, and a stable and transparent regulatory environment. This was strengthened recently by the introduction of the Australian R&D Tax Incentive, which provides for up to a 45% tax credit for eligible spending.
A major reason IBM was attracted to Australia is the rollout of the world-class national broadband network, which will enable high-speed transfer of data and underpin the delivery of research projects.
“The lab will work with Australia’s top scientists and engineers from academia, government and industry to extend IBM’s global R&D footprint and increase its impact on our clients and make the world work better,” said John Kelly, IBM senior vice president and director of IBM Research.
“We look forward to working with the Australian technical and scientific community on some of the most pressing problems and greatest opportunities of our time.”
