A $100bn AI bet? Microsoft, BlackRock’s game-changing move in tech

BlackRock, Microsoft, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and MGX have unveiled the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP), a strategic collaboration aimed at building the infrastructure necessary to meet the rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing. This initiative seeks to unlock $100 billion in investment potential, starting with an initial $30 billion of private equity capital. The partnership will primarily focus on constructing new data centres and energy sources, mainly in the United States, to bolster AI capabilities and drive economic growth.

GAIIP’s mission is to provide open architecture for a diverse range of companies to participate in the AI ecosystem. It also aims to enhance AI supply chains and energy solutions. The inclusion of NVIDIA as a supporter, contributing its expertise in AI data centres, will accelerate innovation, particularly as AI continues to be a transformative force across industries.

This partnership represents a significant push towards infrastructure development, which industry leaders like Microsoft and BlackRock argue is vital for powering the future digital economy. According to Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, AI-related infrastructure presents a multi-trillion-dollar long-term investment opportunity that will foster economic growth and job creation. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted that GAIIP will help AI advance innovation in all sectors, strengthening national competitiveness while driving sustainable energy solutions.

The capital-intensive nature of AI infrastructure, particularly for data centres and power grids, requires mobilisation of private capital beyond the capacity of any single government or company. Brad Smith, Vice Chair at Microsoft, stated that GAIIP represents an unprecedented opportunity to scale the infrastructure that will support AI-driven industries while enhancing national security and economic prosperity.

MGX, founded in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, is positioning itself at the forefront of global AI investment, focusing on AI infrastructure and related technologies. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of MGX, underscored that AI underpins future economic growth, promising faster technological breakthroughs and improved productivity across economies. The partnership also builds on Abu Dhabi’s strong track record of investing in data centres and energy infrastructure.

This initiative by GAIIP is anticipated to not only transform the AI landscape but also catalyse broader economic impacts by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and encouraging sustainable development in power infrastructure.