Microsoft To Invest $4.8 Million on AI in Italy

Microsoft has announced a significant investment, $4.8 billion over two years, to expand and reinforce its cloud computing infrastructure in Northern Italy.

The investment includes expanding Microsoft’s “hyper-scale cloud and AI data center infrastructure” and providing AI training to more than one million Italians.

With this expansion, the Microsoft region Italy North will become one of its largest data center regions in Europe, also serving the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said, “This landmark investment underscores our long-standing commitment to Italy’s digital transformation. By expanding access to our AI technology and expertise, we are equipping the Italian government, businesses, and the broader workforce with the tools to build an AI-driven economy that creates jobs and drives prosperity.”

The Italian government aspires to create a “resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy” and sees AI as a means to create new jobs and boost productivity. At the same time, keeping security at the foundation of any AI growth and deployment is a top priority.

Following a study undertaken by TEHA Group and Microsoft Italy, AI technology could increase Italy’s GDP by €312 billion over the next 15 years. Small and medium-sized businesses in Italy could see a boost in value of up to €122 billion.

This potential uplift requires a skilled workforce to drive this new technology. As part of its investment, Microsoft commits to providing a training program for more than 1 million people in Italy. The program will focus on “AI fluency, technical AI skills, AI business transformation, and the promotion of safe and responsible AI development.”

Microsoft will work with its network of certified training service partners to deliver training in partnership with universities, nonprofit organizations, industry partners, government institutions, and associations. The goal is to ensure the development of AI skills across a large demographic, including disadvantaged communities.

Microsoft opened its first cloud region in Italy in June 2023, with three data centers in the Lombardy region. This expansion was part of the Ambizione Italia project, in which Microsoft committed to investing $1.5 billion in 2020 to provide cloud technologies to Italian companies, contribute to the local economy, and create new jobs.