During his keynote at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Mexico City, chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced that Microsoft seeks to invest $1.3 billion over the next three years to enhance AI infrastructure and initiatives that promote digital and AI skills.
This includes the Artificial Intelligence National Skills program, which aims to democratize access to AI skills and reach five million people. Microsoft’s investment in Mexico will also work on improving connectivity and encouraging AI adoption by small and medium-sized businesses to accelerate their digital transformation and business operations within the country.
“We are entering a new era of AI with the promise to create inclusive economic growth and opportunity across every role, industry, and country, including in Mexico,” said Nadella. “Our investments in AI infrastructure and skilling in Mexico will help ensure people and organizations across the country realize the benefits of this technology shift,” he added.
Mexico’s continuous economic and social development
Microsoft also announced that it will continue to invest in the application of AI, by leveraging the AI for Good program, to address health, connectivity, and sustainability challenges in Mexico.
During the event, the company also reinforced its commitment to Mexico’s continuous economic and social development. It highlighted the role of AI as a foundational technology with a transformative capability to help solve societal problems, improve human productivity, cybersecurity, make companies more competitive, and expand social and economic opportunities in the country.
The infrastructure will operate under Microsoft’s AI Access Principles which were created to foster innovation and healthy competition within the rapidly growing AI economy.
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Focus on sustainability
Microsoft also continues to evaluate and diligently work to address sustainability and resource needs associated with infrastructure growth. Therefore, the company has taken a first-mover approach to planning, making long-term investments to bring more carbon-free electricity onto the grids where it operates.
“Our Power Purchase Agreements, or PPAs, are at the center of our approach. Today, we have contracted over 34 GW of renewable energy across 24 countries, marking progress toward accelerating renewable energy markets and supporting the global energy transition,” the company added.
In Mexico, Microsoft will also focus on increasing access to clean water and sanitation solutions through its water replenishment projects and work to restore ecosystems.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates Microsoft’s trust and commitment to Mexico supporting inclusive economic growth in the country. With this, we are empowering individuals, companies, and society to enhance innovation and democratize the use of AI through skills development, knowledge sharing, and access to cutting-edge technology and digital infrastructure, while also meeting our sustainability goals,” says Rafael Sánchez Loza, general manager of Microsoft Mexico.
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