Microsoft is focusing on AI in Sweden. The American tech giant is investing almost 34 billion kronor in "cloud infrastructure and AI" and will provide 250,000 people with training in the technology.
Since the turn of the year, Microsoft has presented several similar initiatives in Germany, Japan, and most recently in France. This time, the company is investing 3.2 billion dollars, equivalent to 33.7 billion kronor, in Sweden.
The money will go towards expanding existing server halls in Sandviken, Gävle, and Staffanstorp. They will be equipped with 20,000 advanced graphics processors.
In addition, 250,000 people will be given competence boosts in AI. This training will be led by a knowledge council established in collaboration with universities and the Public Employment Service.
The server halls that form the heart of AI technology consume energy on a massive scale.
About four years ago, in 2020, Microsoft set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. But since the AI boom, Microsoft has invested heavily in becoming market-leading. It seems to have come at the expense of climate ambition.
Since then, the company's emissions have instead increased by 30 percent, according to its own sustainability report.
Smith says that Microsoft is also investing in renewable energy in Sweden.
He says that Microsoft chose Sweden for "the country's leadership" and "forward-thinking energy policy". He will also visit H2 Green Steel, which is developing fossil-free steel.
Smith mentions several times that Microsoft wants to be "a good neighbor" in Sweden and that cybersecurity is a prioritized issue "in a time when Sweden is a member of NATO and there is a war nearby".
When do you hope to see a return on this investment?
Some of the parts of Microsoft's 33.7 billion kronor large investment in AI and cloud services in Sweden.
+ Expanded server halls in Gävle, Sandviken, and Staffanstorp.
+ 20,000 advanced graphics processors.
+ Training of 250,000 people in AI technology over three years and the establishment of a knowledge council, with a secretariat at Linköping University.
Source: Microsoft
