By expanding its Australia-based workforce, Cognizant will be able to offer local clients its experts in software, AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and data analytics who can help them solve their most important business challenges.

Clients will be able to better achieve their digital transformation goals, focus on innovation to grow new revenue streams, serve their own customers better, and reduce costs, Cognizant says.

A key focus for the Adelaide delivery centre will be helping Cognizant’s clients use digital technology to meet their sustainability goals, find a path to de-carbonisation, and be a solution for achieving a low-carbon economy.

The new global delivery centre will be located in Adelaide’s central business district where federal and state governments have recently invested close to $750 million to transform the city into a innovation hub and help develop new technology companies outside of Sydney and Melbourne.

“I’m delighted to welcome Cognizant to South Australia as it opens its first Australian delivery centre, which will create over 1,600 jobs in our state’s capital and positively impact our local economy,” enthuses South Australia Premier Steven Marshall. “South Australia’s global reputation for world-class artificial intelligence, data analytics and machine learning are once again attracting some of the world’s largest companies to our state.”

To fill the 1,600 new positions, Cognizant will hire talent in the early stages of their career, as well as experienced professionals with digital technology skills. Cognizant sought assistance from Taskforce, set up by the Australian government to attract top-tier businesses and individuals.

“The pandemic has led our clients to rethink their business models, prioritise digital, and seek onshore service delivery. Our new delivery centre will expand Cognizant’s expertise in cloud, IoT, and AI to help our clients to adapt to new market conditions, sharpen their competitiveness and meet their sustainability goals,” explains Cognizant CEO ANZ Jane Livesey.

“We are proud to partner with the government to recruit, train and invest in the next generation of Australia’s highly skilled digital workforce and contribute to the growth of the South Australian region,” Livesey says.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the move was 1,600 votes of confidence in Adelaide’s and Australia’s economy.

“Between the investments we’re making in Adelaide’s CBD through to our national skills taskforce to attract skilled workers, Cognizant has recognised the opportunities Adelaide and Australia have to offer,” Morrison says.

“Cognizant’s global hub in Adelaide will serve as a magnet for top talent from Australia and abroad. This is just one example of how our national Taskforce is supporting organisations to reach into global markets and attract skilled talent who will help drive our nation’s economic growth and bolster our digital, STEM and high-tech sectors,” Morrison concludes.