Just weeks after Microsoft carpet bombed Southeast Asia with billion-dollar investments into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, it has now turned its eye to Europe. It recently announced that it will invest a whopping € 4 Billion into cloud and AI infrastructure and AI skilling in France. This is the tech giant’s largest investment in France in its 41-year history in the country.
Europe is a thriving market for all things AI despite strict laws governing its use. According to IDC Research, “AI spending in Europe will post a 29.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2027, slightly higher than the worldwide CAGR of 26.9% for the same period, with spending expected to exceed $96.1 billion in 2027.”
In a press release, the company said that first, it will invest € 4 Billion to expand its next generation Cloud and AI infrastructure in France and bringing up to 25,000 of the most advanced GPUs to the country by end of 2025. Microsoft will expand its data center footprint across existing sites in Paris and Marseille regions and will also invest in planning a new data center campus in the Grand Est Region, in Mulhouse Alsace Agglomération.
“This major investment demonstrates a steadfast commitment to supporting digital innovation and economic growth in France,” said Vice Chair & President of Microsoft Brad Smith. “We are building state-of-the-art Cloud and AI infrastructure, training people with AI skills, and supporting French startups as they use our technology with confidence to grow in a fair and responsible way.”
The company will also help in accelerating AI startups, aiming to engage over 2,500 startups by 2027, through training programs and in AI expertise, as well as by enabling cloud credits, and support activities, including collaboration with customers and partners. It is also aiming to train 1 million people in AI by 2027.
Microsoft is also walking the talk on sustainability by aiming to have 100 MW of renewable energy projects online in France by the end of the year. The company further aims to have 100 percent renewable energy coverage for its operations, including its data centers, by 2025. It further aims to become water positive by 2030, and have zero waste by 2030.