Microsoft invests $2.9b in Japan to boost country’s AI capabilities

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In the next two years, Microsoft plans to invest US$2.9 billion to upgrade its AI and cloud services in Japan.

This would be Microsoft’s largest investment in the country, reflecting the firm’s aim to enhancing Japan’s digital and AI capabilities.

Microsoft also plans to expand its digital training initiatives, with the goal to train over three million people in AI within three years. These include courses and resources specifically for AI development.

These programs will provide AI tech skills to workers and accelerate Japan’s digital transformation and adoption of AI.

The computing giant is also set to open Microsoft Research Asia in Tokyo, a facility focusing on fields like robotics and societal AI.

In line with its goals, Microsoft will donate US$10 million in resource grants over five years to The University of Tokyo and the Keio University-Carnegie Mellon AI Research Partnership.

In March, Japan and the US announced strategies to deepen their partnership in areas such as AI and semiconductor production. The collaboration follows the US’ efforts to block shipments of AI chips to China – a move that would hinder the Asian country from getting access to US tech that would bolster its own military capabilities.

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