Microsoft is making a significant investment of $2.1 billion in Spain to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure. The announcement came after a meeting between Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Smith emphasized that their investment goes beyond just building data centers, but also focuses on helping Spain develop its security, government, businesses, and people’s digital transformation.
This investment builds on Microsoft’s long-standing presence in Spain, where the company has been investing for 37 years. Just last September, Microsoft announced the establishment of a research and development hub for AI technologies in Barcelona. Alberto Granados, the president of Microsoft Spain, highlighted that this investment demonstrates Spain’s talent in the digital sector.
This latest commitment by Microsoft follows its recent investment of 3 billion euros in Germany’s AI ecosystem. Over the next two years, Microsoft plans to use these funds to enhance Germany’s AI infrastructure, establish new data centers, and provide training to develop AI skills. Leading tech companies are increasingly investing in Europe in anticipation of the implementation of the EU AI Act legislation by the European Union.
On the same day Microsoft announced its investment in Germany, Google and the Ministry of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France revealed their plans to create a dedicated AI hub in Paris. This hub will bring together nearly 300 researchers and engineers to support France’s AI ambitions. Google recently introduced the “AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe” through which it will invest 25 million euros in skills training for Europeans in the AI sector.
These investments by major tech players like Microsoft and Google demonstrate their recognition of Europe’s growing significance in the field of AI. They aim to capitalize on the region’s potential and contribute to its digital transformation through infrastructure development, research and development, and skills training. As European countries implement AI legislation, we can expect more investments and advancements in the AI sector in the coming years.
Spain’s talent in the digital sector is getting the recognition it deserves thanks to Microsoft. This investment will surely raise the country’s profile even more!
Microsoft’s investment in Germany was impressive, but their commitment to Spain’s AI ecosystem is equally amazing! Europe is upping its game in the AI sector.