Business Context Driving AI Integration in Bendigo

Regional Development Australia Melbourne hosted a major AI Forum in Bendigo on November 15, 2024, at La Trobe University. The event focused on helping regional businesses strategically embed AI for economic growth.

Forum Context and Reach

The forum formed part of a series that engaged over 540 stakeholders across four events held during 2024-2025. Organisers positioned the gatherings as practical sessions for companies seeking to apply AI tools in day-to-day operations rather than as abstract technology discussions.

Local Partnership Supporting Access

Ligantic, a full-service tech partner founded in Bendigo, became Be.Bendigo’s Gold Partner for AI. The arrangement supplies local businesses with accessible AI and emerging technology solutions aimed at helping them compete in the digital landscape.

Reported Business Outcomes

Bendigo businesses implementing AI automation have reported ROI within 30 days. These early returns centre on time and process efficiencies that reduce manual workloads without requiring large upfront capital commitments.

The combination of the November 2024 forum at La Trobe University and the Ligantic partnership provides a concrete pathway for firms to test AI applications. Companies can draw on the stakeholder network formed during the 2024-2025 forums while working with a locally based provider that understands regional operating conditions.

Businesses interested in similar outcomes can review the forum materials and contact Be.Bendigo to explore how the Gold Partner arrangement might apply to their specific processes. The documented 30-day ROI window offers a measurable benchmark for initial pilots.