Microsoft to invest $400 million in AI expansion in Switzerland

US tech company Microsoft has announced that it will invest 400 million dollars in Switzerland over the coming years. The money will help develop its cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. 

$400-million investment in AI and cloud computing in Switzerland

Announcing the investment together with Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin and Catrin Hinkey, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland, Microsoft President Brad Smith told the media in Bern that the investment was designed to meet the growing demand for cloud computing and AI services. 

Microsoft plans to heavily invest in its cloud and AI capabilities in Switzerland. Among other things, the investment will provide for a major expansion and upgrade of the company’s four data centres in Geneva and Zurich. The expansion will serve new and existing customers and allow data to remain within Swiss borders, Reuters reports. This is important for certain sectors like healthcare, finance and government. 

Microsoft to collaborate with Swiss companies and general public

The money will also be used to fund collaborations between Microsoft and small- and medium-sized businesses in Switzerland, for example through the national network of Swiss Innovation Parks. The company also wants to fund continuing education to help make AI accessible to the general public.

Microsoft currently employs 1.000 people in Switzerland. No information was provided on how many new jobs the investment would create.