Ed Craven, the billionaire founder of Stake, has embarked on a multi-million dollar venture alongside systems builder Dave Lemphers to develop Australia’s counterpart to OpenAI. While China boasts DeepSeek and the US is home to OpenAI and Anthropic, Craven and Lemphers aim to establish a sovereign Large Language Model (LLM) in Melbourne.
Lemphers, with a background in AI startups in the US, returned to Melbourne with a vision to create an end-to-end trained LLM within Australia. This initiative marks a significant milestone for Australian technological advancement in the realm of AI, positioning the nation on par with global players in the industry.
Having honed his expertise in the US, Lemphers’ return to Australia signifies a shift in the country’s AI landscape. His journey from building robotics startups to leading AI initiatives underscores the evolving tech ecosystem in Australia, propelled by a team of top technologists dedicated to shaping the future of AI.
Backed by Craven’s investment, Lemphers spearheads MainCode, a sovereign AI startup based in Melbourne. The strategic focus on independence and long-term sustainability sets MainCode apart, emphasizing the importance of local ownership and control in the development of AI technologies.
MainCode’s commitment to building a sovereign LLM from scratch aligns with the ethos of owning the core code, ensuring autonomy and transparency in AI systems. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and talent, MainCode aims to offer a secure alternative to foreign AI platforms, safeguarding against potential biases and data privacy risks.
Lemphers envisions a future where Australians have access to locally developed AI solutions tailored to domestic needs and values. By fostering a homegrown AI ecosystem, MainCode seeks to empower businesses and individuals with safe and reliable AI tools, reducing reliance on external platforms and enhancing data governance.
As the global AI landscape evolves, Lemphers sees an opportunity for Australia to lead in the next industrial revolution. By leveraging local talent and resources, MainCode aims to position the country at the forefront of AI innovation, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
With a focus on protecting Australia’s AI future, MainCode’s endeavor underscores the significance of developing sovereign AI capabilities. By championing local talent, infrastructure, and values, MainCode paves the way for a more secure and sustainable AI ecosystem, ensuring the nation’s competitiveness in the digital age.
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