For years Australia's technology industry has been associated with Sydney, Melbourne and, increasingly, Brisbane.

But the next great Australian technology company may emerge from somewhere quite different.

Regional Australia.

The idea is no longer far-fetched.

Fast internet, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and video conferencing have dramatically reduced the need for software companies to be located in expensive capital city office towers.

A programmer in Ballarat can work with a client in London.

An engineer in Toowoomba can collaborate with colleagues in Singapore.

A cyber security specialist in Byron Bay can advise businesses across Australia without leaving home.

The advantages of regional Australia are becoming increasingly attractive.

Office space is cheaper.

Housing is often more affordable.

Commuting times are shorter.

Employees enjoy a lifestyle that combines rewarding careers with greater access to beaches, mountains, national parks and country communities.

Regional universities are also producing highly skilled graduates in engineering, information technology, agriculture and health sciences.

Many would happily remain in their hometowns if exciting career opportunities were available.

The technology sector is beginning to recognise that talent is not confined to capital cities.

Regional innovation hubs are appearing across Australia, supporting start-up businesses with mentoring, networking opportunities and access to investors.

The industries most likely to thrive in regional Australia reflect the regions themselves.

Agricultural technology.

Mining technology.

Renewable energy.

Water management.

Medical technology.

Environmental monitoring.

Tourism technology.

These sectors are closely connected to regional economies, allowing entrepreneurs to develop products alongside the industries that will use them.

Artificial intelligence may accelerate this trend even further.

Small teams with specialist expertise can now build products capable of serving customers around the world without employing hundreds of people or occupying large corporate offices.

That creates opportunities for regional communities seeking to diversify beyond traditional industries.

Every successful technology company creates more than software.

It creates skilled jobs.

It attracts investment.

It supports cafés, accountants, lawyers, marketing agencies, builders and local retailers.

One successful business can transform an entire regional economy.

Australia's technology future does not belong exclusively to its largest cities.

It belongs wherever talented people are prepared to solve important problems.

The next billion-dollar Australian technology company may already be taking shape.

It could just as easily begin in Dubbo, Bunbury, Launceston, Townsville or Byron Bay as it could in Sydney.