Ventia is partnering with OpenAI to deploy practical, high-impact AI across its operations, from safety and asset management to field operations, customer service and internal processes.

Derek Osborn, Ventia’s Group Executive for Innovation and Transformation, says the collaboration will give teams practical access to advanced tools to work more safely and efficiently.

The initiative aims to dramatically shorten the time from concept to production, with a strong emphasis on field operations to reduce administrative burdens for Ventia’s frontline workforce of more than 15,000.

An OpenAI spokesperson did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Early trials have used OpenAI tools, including Codex, to build applications such as a supply partner portal.

The move reflects a broader trend of infrastructure and services firms using generative AI to add value beyond back-office functions, especially for dispersed workforces.

Satya Tammareddy, OpenAI’s go-to-market lead for Australia and New Zealand, notes Ventia is one of the region’s largest essential services organizations to adopt advanced AI.

Tammareddy welcomes the rollout and emphasizes bringing advanced AI capabilities to a major regional essential services organization.

Ventia, listed on the ASX, employs over 35,000 people across 400 sites in defence, telecommunications, transport, utilities and social infrastructure, handling large contracts including a AUD 107 million Defence deal and a AUD 100 million NSW government contract.

Ventia is collaborating with OpenAI-backed Tomoro.ai to develop an AI-enabled bid-management capability to improve bid quality, speed and win rates; Codex has already been used to build a supply partner portal.

Initial joint work focuses on AI-enabled bid management to improve bid quality, turnaround times and win rates, while exploring other AI applications with partners like TomoroAI.

Pilot initiatives include an AI-enabled work-winning and bid-management system and ongoing trials with Codex to accelerate software development, such as a supply partner portal.