As seen in Lawyers Weekly — 25 October 2024
How Did Dan Saldi Start Down This Career Path?
Dan Saldi, founder of Xaana AI and Turium AI, has spent more than 20 years leading digital transformation programs across the Asia-Pacific region and the United States.
Throughout his career, including work with organisations such as ANZ Bank, Deloitte, and public sector departments, he repeatedly encountered the same fundamental challenge: disconnected systems.
Organisations often relied on numerous applications, platforms, and data sources that were not designed to work together. The result was fragmented data, complex processes, high costs, and decision-making that was often reactive rather than proactive.
Dan reflects on a question that helped shape his approach:
Why should enterprises have to choose between ease of use and security?
It became clear that solving only one part of the problem was not enough. A more fundamental approach was needed—one that could connect systems, reduce complexity, and make information more accessible and useful.
During his time at MIT, Dan studied distributed computing and artificial intelligence. This experience reinforced the potential of connecting systems and adding intelligence capable of processing real-time data, supporting smarter decisions, and operating securely.
That thinking helped shape the foundation for what would become Xaana and Turium AI.
Building AI That Understands Context
Turium AI takes inspiration from the idea of connecting intelligence, data, and technology.
Rather than focusing solely on general-purpose AI, Turium AI is designed to support complex organisational environments by connecting systems and making information more accessible.
Turium Zebra is designed to adapt to the context of individual users and their roles. Whether working in finance, HR, operations, or other functions, the goal is to provide insights and support that are relevant to how people work.
The focus is on helping people access information, make decisions, and work more effectively with the technology around them.
What Inspires Innovation in AI?
While discussions around AI often focus on major global technology hubs, Dan has long believed that Australia has the talent and capability to play a significant role in AI innovation.
"It's not about creating the AI ecosystem; it's about talent and creating the right environment for that talent to grow."
When Xaana began, the team consisted of just four people. Over time, it grew to more than 100 people working across AI and technology.
Dan believes Australia's technology sector has the potential to develop globally competitive innovation.
"The talent is here. We've shown that world-class AI can be built right here at home."
One of the most motivating aspects of the journey has been seeing how AI can be applied across different environments and challenges.
From environmental monitoring and cybersecurity to financial automation and workflow optimisation, AI has the potential to support new approaches to solving complex problems.
A Customer-Centred Approach
At Xaana, the company's approach is built around the idea of collaborative intelligence—the combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence.
This philosophy also shapes the approach to working with customers.
The goal is not simply to address immediate technical requirements. It is to understand the broader context in which organisations operate, including their long-term goals, challenges, constraints, and future requirements.
"When we work with a client, we don't just look at their immediate needs. We try to understand their long-term goals, their pain points, and the constraints they're working within."
Building strong relationships requires ongoing collaboration. Technology and organisational needs continue to evolve, and solutions need to evolve alongside them.
Staying Ahead by Solving Real Problems
For Dan, innovation begins with solving meaningful problems.
"You can have the most cutting-edge technology, but if it's not solving a meaningful problem, it's just noise."
Rather than pursuing technology trends for their own sake, the focus is on understanding the challenges organisations face.
Customer feedback plays an important role in this process. Understanding what works—and what does not—can reveal opportunities to improve technology and develop new solutions.
Dan also emphasises the importance of remaining closely involved in the technology itself.
"You can't delegate innovation. I still spend time deep inside code because that's where the breakthroughs happen."
For him, hands-on involvement helps create a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and the possibilities they create.
The Challenge of Building an AI Company
Building an AI company in Australia presented significant challenges.
When Dan founded Xaana AI, the local AI ecosystem was still developing, particularly in Canberra. Building technology was only part of the challenge. The company also needed to build awareness, attract talent, and demonstrate the value of AI solutions to organisations.
"Sometimes, you're ahead of the curve, and the market isn't ready for what you're offering."
The journey required patience and persistence.
By focusing on solving problems step by step, the team gradually developed the foundation for what Turium AI is today.
This approach helped establish a technology company focused on reliability, security, and solving complex challenges.
Looking Towards the Next Five Years
Dan's vision extends beyond enterprise AI.
The goal is to make intelligent technology more accessible to a broader range of users and organisations.
One area of focus is making it easier for people to work with their own information and knowledge without requiring advanced technical skills.
Dan has also spoken about the importance of secure communications and the role that emerging technologies could play in protecting information.
As AI, quantum technologies, and advanced computing continue to evolve, the possibilities for intelligent and secure systems will continue to expand.
The focus remains on developing technology that can solve meaningful challenges while making powerful capabilities more accessible.
Looking Ahead
The journey from a small team to a growing AI organisation reflects the importance of persistence, innovation, and a commitment to solving difficult problems.
For Dan Saldi, the future of AI is not simply about developing more powerful technology. It is about creating intelligent systems that can help people and organisations make better decisions, solve complex challenges, and unlock new possibilities.
As Turium AI continues to evolve, the ambition remains clear: build intelligent technology that addresses real-world challenges and demonstrate the potential of Australian innovation on a global stage.
