The latest in a string of foreign expansions by major tech companies to promote the development of artificial intelligence, Microsoft (MSFT.O) announced on Tuesday that it will invest $2.9 billion over two years to extend its cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan.
According to a press release, Microsoft announced that the funds will be used to establish a Microsoft Research Asia centre in Tokyo, train three million people in AI, and grow the company’s cloud and AI infrastructure throughout the nation.
Microsoft’s largest investment in Japan, according to an interview with Microsoft President Brad Smith published on Tuesday by Nikkei.
According to the source, Microsoft plans to expand its infrastructure by adding powerful AI semiconductors to two of its current locations in Japan.
Smith stated that the company’s new lab in Tokyo will concentrate on robots and artificial intelligence research and development, allowing the nation to “build on its technological strengths in many other areas.”
Furthermore, the article stated that Microsoft and the Japanese government will work together to improve cybersecurity resilience.
This investment supports the worldwide movement for “data sovereignty” and strengthens domestic AI capabilities.
Microsoft’s action places them in a strong position in this changing environment as Japan imposes stronger restrictions regarding data handling.
The company has also voiced hope for cooperative initiatives like the “Hiroshima AI Process” to create global frameworks for AI governance.
We earlier reported that Microsoft has revealed that its newly established consumer AI branch will now have a new centre in London.
Jordan Hoffmann, who Mustafa Suleyman described as “an exceptional AI scientist and engineer” would be leading the unit in a statement on the company’s blog post.