Microsoft announces €4bn investment in France to boost AI and cloud technologies

Microsoft has unveiled its largest investment in France to date, committing €4 billion to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies. This investment, announced during the Choose France summit, aims to bolster France’s digital competitiveness and contribute significantly to the French economy and job market. The initiative aligns with France’s National Strategy for AI and aims to train 1 million people and support 2,500 AI startups by 2027.

Investment in AI and Cloud Infrastructure

Expanding Datacenter Footprint

Microsoft will expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in France, investing in datacenters across Paris and Marseille and planning a new datacenter campus in the Grand Est Region. This investment will bring up to 25,000 advanced GPUs to France by the end of 2025, meeting the growing demand for AI-specific compute power.

Technological and Economic Impact

These enhancements will enable organizations to develop, deploy, and use AI models and applications, including Microsoft’s own AI-infused services like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics. Microsoft’s infrastructure will operate under its AI Access Principles, fostering innovation and healthy competition in the AI economy.

Microsoft announces €4 billion investment in France to boost AI and cloud technologies, train 1 million people, and support 2,500 AI startups by 2027.

Commitment to AI Skilling

Training 1 Million People by 2027

Microsoft aims to train 1 million people in AI skills, focusing on job seekers, students, small and medium-sized businesses, and professionals. The company will expand its “A Vous l’IA” initiative and partner with France Travail to provide AI training programs accessible through the Emploi Store.

Collaborations with Educational Institutions

Microsoft will collaborate with French Ed-Tech company Kokoroe and higher-education institutions such as Skema Business School, Rennes School of Business, EDHEC, and Efrei to build AI fluency. Professional training programs will be offered through partners like Cellenza Training, ENI, Fastlane, IB Cegos, and Skillsoft Global Knowledge.

Supporting French AI Startups

Microsoft GenAI Studio

Microsoft will launch the GenAI Studio initiative to support 2,500 AI startups by 2027. This program will provide AI expertise, cloud credits, and support activities, including collaboration with customers and partners. The first batch of the GenAI Studio program will begin at STATION F in September.

Nationwide Tour and Local Engagements

In-person workshops and hands-on sessions will be organized across France to foster connections with regional players and support the integration of GenAI technologies by startups. These events will take place in Microsoft Experiences Labs and local incubators and accelerators.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Sustainability Initiatives

Microsoft is committed to operating its AI services and infrastructure sustainably, with a goal of 100% renewable energy coverage by 2025. The company is also pursuing renewable energy contracts in France and aims to be water positive and zero waste by 2030.

Community Investments

Microsoft will invest in local skilling and education opportunities, as well as environmental and social projects, aligning with local needs and ambitions.

Microsoft’s €4 billion investment in France underscores its commitment to fostering digital innovation and economic growth. By enhancing AI and cloud infrastructure, providing comprehensive skilling programs, and supporting startups, Microsoft aims to position France as a leader in AI development and usage.