Microsoft has unveiled its ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for the fiscal year 2025, emphasizing its commitment to investment in AI infrastructure, educational programs, and global accessibility rather than detailing a specific AI product roadmap. The Redmond-based tech corporation plans to allocate approximately $80 billion (around Rs. 6.86 lakh crore) towards the development of AI-enabled data centers, which are essential for training and deploying AI models. Furthermore, Microsoft is creating AI-focused curricula at colleges throughout the United States.
Microsoft Outlines Major AI Initiatives for 2025
In a recent blog post, the technology giant articulated its vision for the upcoming fiscal year. This broader initiative encompasses significant investments in AI technology and infrastructure, the enhancement of skilling programs aimed at facilitating widespread AI adoption, and the global distribution of AI technology to enhance accessibility.
Concerning infrastructure, Microsoft intends to invest around $80 billion to establish AI-enabled data centers. These facilities will support the training of new AI models, their global deployment, and the operation of various cloud-based AI applications from Microsoft. Notably, the company highlighted that more than half of this investment will be directed within the United States.
Microsoft stressed the importance of AI skilling by stating that the technology could create the next billion AI-enabled jobs across various sectors including services, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and government over the next 25 years. In response to this need, Microsoft has partnered with the US National AI Consortium for Community Colleges to implement an “industry-aligned” AI curriculum. Additionally, the company is providing faculty training through AI Bootcamps to equip students with essential skills.
Furthermore, Microsoft has established AI training programs for educators and offers career guidance for young professionals seeking to enhance their AI capabilities through the Microsoft Copilot for Career Navigators initiative.
Previously, Microsoft announced an investment of over $35 billion (approximately Rs. 2.99 lakh crore) over three years across 14 countries to bolster secure AI and cloud data center infrastructure. This plan has now expanded to involve 40 countries, particularly focusing on the Global South. The company is also collaborating with UAE-based AI firm G42 to introduce AI infrastructure in Kenya.
