How Australian Tech Titans Canva and Atlassian are Pivoting to Artificial Intelligence and Navigating Market Scepticism
Australian Financial Review
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 25 May 2026
- Priority Score
- 1
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 24 May 2026, 08:00 pm
Description
In the midst of the AI-fuelled wipeout of tech firms, Canva and Atlassian spruik similar talking points to very different receptions.
Summary
This article examines the commercial AI integration strategies of Australia's largest tech companies, Canva and Atlassian, amidst a volatile market for AI-focused firms. It highlights the aggressive deployment of generative AI features in consumer and enterprise software as these firms seek to maintain market dominance. While it touches on the cultural and business transitions necessary for AI adoption, the focus remains primarily on corporate strategy and financial performance rather than existential risks or safety governance. The content illustrates the rapid scaling of frontier-style AI capabilities within Australian-founded global infrastructure, highlighting the economic incentives driving rapid AI deployment.
Body
Amelia McGuireBusiness reporterMay 25, 2026 – 5.00amFor the past five years, Canva has held an annual conference for customers, journalists and investors where it unveils new features in what is perennially dubbed its biggest product launch ever. Known as Canva Create, it is a high-octane event.In 2022, co-founders and married couple Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht skipped around the stage, him in flashing sneakers and her in a bedazzled jacket. In 2024, employees performed a rap in the style of Hamilton. At this year’s version, held at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in April, Canva laid on a thick layer of artificial intelligence. The climax was a musical production with a mohawked punk headbanging to AI-generated lyrics accompanied by an orchestra, ballerina, line dancers and a seemingly endless amount of confetti.Loading...SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreRich ListAFR MagazineAtlassianAICanvaAmelia McGuireBusiness reporterAmelia McGuire covers technology from the AFR's Sydney newsroom. She was previously the aviation, tourism and gambling reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Connect with Amelia on Twitter. Email Amelia at a.mcguire@afr.com.auFetching latest articles