Speaker Profile

Jonathon Read is the Engineering Manager at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), where he is part of a team delivering cutting edge AI solutions for government, SMB and enterprise clients. With more than a decade of experience in agile software solutions development and scalable system design, Jonathon brings a strategic perspective to developing AI driven technologies that solve complex real world problems.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Jonathon combines technical expertise with deep business consulting and solutions architecture experience. This dual background allows him to translate between commercial objectives and technical requirements, ensuring AI projects deliver measurable business outcomes.

Jonathon is currently helping to overseeing AIML’s Industrial AI SME Grant Program a partnership between the South Australian Government and AIML that connects eligible small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with AIML’s engineers. Through this program, SMEs can explore how technologies such as chatbots, advanced analytics, supply chain optimisation and automation can address their biggest challenges. Recent figures show that about 40 % of Australian SMEs are adopting AI, yet many still face skills gaps and funding constraints. Jonathon’s work helps close this gap by providing grants and expert guidance to small businesses, empowering them to harness AI responsibly and competitively. He is passionate about fostering collaboration, driving innovation and positioning AIML as a leader in practical, transformative AI solutions.