- Microsoft invests $2.9 billion to upgrade AI and cloud services in Japan.
- The firm aims to train over 3 million people in AI within three years.
- Microsoft will establish research facilities and partnerships.
Microsoft has announced its largest investment in Japan, committing $2.9 billion over the next two years to upgrade its AI and cloud services in the country.
This significant investment reflects the firm’s aim to enhance Japan’s digital and AI capabilities, accelerating the country’s digital transformation and adoption of artificial intelligence.
Expanding digital training initiatives
As part of its investment plan, Microsoft intends to expand its digital training initiatives, setting a goal to train over three million people in AI within three years.
These initiatives will include courses and resources specifically designed for AI development, providing AI tech skills to workers and further supporting Japan’s digital transformation.
Establishing research facilities and partnerships
Microsoft is set to open Microsoft Research Asia in Tokyo, a facility that will focus on fields such as robotics and societal AI.
Additionally, the computing giant will donate $10 million in resource grants over five years to The University of Tokyo and the Keio University-Carnegie Mellon AI Research Partnership.
These moves align with the recent strategies announced by Japan and the US to deepen their partnership in areas like AI and semiconductor production, following the US’ efforts to block shipments of AI chips to China.
To read the original article: https://www.techinasia.com/microsoft-pours-29b-japan-boost-ai-capabilities
